From: Christopher Hudert <heyhoot-AT-mindspring.com>
Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:01:45 -0400
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Talcum powder



On Sep 22, 2009, at 10:40 PM, Dotti wrote:

>  I wonder if any of you have ever experienced it igniting accidentally 
> when using it for "smoke" or the like.

Dotti,

   While many powders are flammable when aerated (blown as a mist) over 
open flame, the key there is "open flame." Few of them will burst into 
flame if they come into contact with hot items or spontaneously 
combust. They may cause some smoke on an extremely hot light, and if 
enough accumulated on a heat source, it could catch fire, but if there 
were any constant high heat source that close I'd be more worried about 
my body parts and the puppets coming into contact with that heat than 
occasional bursts of powder.


   As to the health hazards that someone mentioned, I've done many 
internet searches on this. I have found no, as in none, zip, zero, 
actual studies cited in any of the articles that say there is a link 
between baby powder (particularly the main ingredient talc) and cancer 
of any kind. The usual claim is that there is a link between talc and 
either lung or ovarian cancer. The American Cancer Society has said 
that all studies are inconclusive at best. The miniscule amounts that 
you are talking about using should pose no threat to anyone (unless 
they are extremely allergic). By the way, in the spirit of Yogi Berra, 
if you you live long enough, you'll probably die of something.

Hope to see you at the Playhouse Puppet Slam on Saturday and/or the 
Guild meeting on Sunday.

Christopher 

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