How safe is your Roti, Kapda and Powder??

A jury in US has directed an MNC to pay $72 millions in damages to the family of a woman who died from ovarian cancer, claimed to have been caused by prolonged use of the company's talcum powder. (Newslink) The company has said in its defence that there is not enough scientific evidence to directly link the use of talc and the risk of ovarian cancer.

But the point to ponder here is that - that we generally take for granted the safety and quality of many of the cosmetic or personal care products that we use on a daily basis. Remember the messages about the dangers of use of lipsticks, antiperspirants, deodorants even baby powders? There was something about the lead content in long-stay lipsticks (and Maggi too!!). Antiperspirants have acquired a bad name around the world because of their suggested link with the risk of breast cancer. Some also suggest that Triclosan present in many handwashes, soaps, detergents, anti-bacterial products, might be responsible for some allergies. Wrinkle-free shirts are also not popular because of possible skin trouble.

The primary concern here in India is that most of these products - especially small items of cosmetics, sachets of shampoos or other use and throw packs of these products - do not contain essential labelling of the ingredients. A simple warning - whether the product is safe for use on children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, convalescing patients - is missing in most cases. We however, being a bunch of optimistic people, assume that since there is no warning then it means that all is well. Nor do we pay much attention to the ingredient list.

Food is a different matter altogether. Our fruits and veggies are supposed to have pesticides. Grains may be genetically modified. Every few months, there is a report on adulterated milk, adulterated food - even in the free midday meal programme. Maggi got a lot of media coverage because of its popularity and probably because it is an MNC. Anti-biotic fed chicken also received their share of the limelight some time ago. But somehow, these issues are forgotten after some time. Remember Cadbury?

Although there is a lot on the administration/government front that can be done; as actual consumers we also need to be aware of what we eat, what we use and what we share with others. The world is changing; our environment - the pollution levels, diseases, climate, the hygiene levels - everything is changing. It is not necessary that someone prove to you that something is bad for your health - common sense can come to our rescue in most of these areas. Remember that too much of anything is bad - healthy living is being aware of our own needs and maintaining that right balance in everything else.

Some useful links:
1. Safe skincare products in pregnancy
2. When Wrinkle-Free Clothing Also Means Formaldehyde Fumes