University Research Grants Focus On Safer Talc Substitutes For Industry Use

Schools get money to make new materials that act like talc but don't have the same health dangers

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - Universities all over the US are starting to acquire targeted research funding to find and create safer alternatives to talc, a mineral that is commonly used in cosmetics, personal care products, and industrial applications. There is a growing worry about talc's connection to major health problems, such as mesothelioma and ovarian cancer, especially when it is mixed with asbestos. The award programs, which are paid for by a combination of governmental organizations and private foundations, are looking for materials that can absorb moisture and feel smooth like talc without the same hazards. Scientists are looking into a number of plant-based powders, synthetic silicates, and food-grade starches as viable substitutes. A lot of these researchers have talked to lawyers and public health advocates who work on baby powder cancer cases to make sure that the alternatives meet both safety and performance standards. The number of baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuits is still rising, and the scientific community is becoming more involved in coming up with solutions that could lower future health risks and give manufacturers safer options for their goods.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) said that current research is now focusing on finding talc substitutes that are safe, break down naturally, and stay stable in a wide range of settings. Major research universities and engineering schools with expertise in nanomaterials and product safety are among the recipients of the funding. Some of the research that got money includes looking at naturally occurring powders like rice starch and oat flour, as well as making new blends with zeolites or magnesium-based chemicals. These materials come from places with less danger of contamination than talc, which can sometimes occur near asbestos in the ground. Researchers are also looking at how possible alternatives act when they are aerosolized, as inhalation exposure has been a major issue in lawsuits involving talc. Early test findings show that some alternatives can control moisture and texture in a way that is close to the original without causing the same respiratory problems. Experts argue that success in this field might help not only cosmetic industries but also makers of paints, plastics, and ceramics, which need talc for their heat resistance and density. Talcum powder cancer lawyers and public safety advocates are keeping a careful eye on these developments. They say that the eventual use of safe alternatives might greatly lower both consumer exposure and legal responsibility.

If these university-led programs are successful in the next several years, they could change the way people think about product safety and trust in businesses. If good talc alternatives become available for sale, businesses may start changing their goods on their own to avoid more lawsuits and damage to their brand. People who get grants want to publish their results in publications that anyone can read and work with leaders in their field to turn their research into real-world uses. Public awareness campaigns may also change, going from telling people not to use talc to telling them about safe alternatives that have been proven to work.