Mineralogical and geochemical characterization of Johnson's baby powder from 1985: Evidence of contamination
Source abstract
Abstract
A single bottle of unopened Johnson`s baby powder with a manufacturing date of 1985 was investigated for potential geochemical contaminants of concern. Study of 3 replicate samples via basic powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicates talc is the dominant phase present with chlorite ± serpentine and no other major impurities are observed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) documented the presence of Ni as a minor component in observed Fe-sulfides and Cr was detected in chromite and/or chromian magnetite. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) documented the presence of Ni within individual platy and fibrous talc particles. Repeat analysis ( n = 10) of pressed powders ( n = 5) via handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) yielded SiO 2 contents of 57.40 to 58.28 wt% and MgO contents of 29.90 to 30.79 wt%. Data also documents the presence of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn. Cu and Zn are interpreted to occur in Fe-sulfides. Subsequent duplicate analysis ( n = 2) of 3 talc samples via high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) detected 4 trace metals present of concern: V, Co, Cr, and Ni. Across all sample runs ( n = 6), V averaged 10.6 ppm (±0.5 ppm at 2σ), Co averaged 55.0 ppm (±4.3 ppm at 2σ), Cr averaged 400.9 ppm (±11.4 ppm at 2σ), and Ni averaged 1395.9 ppm (±105 ppm at 2σ). While a precise geologic source for the studied talc cannot be unequivocally identified based on the data collected in this study (and the sample bottle alone), a comparison with global talc deposits indicates a product origin likely associated with (ultra)mafic-hosted talc deposits based on Ni (ppm) and Cr (ppm) contents, as opposed to carbonate metasedimentary-hosted deposits. From this work, it can therefore be concluded that Ni- and Cr-bearing particles made it into the baby powder production chain of this manufacturer in 1985. This study provides a foundation for future mineral and geochemical characterization of past, present, and future consumer talc-related products and may provide context for health-related studies.
Source: expertdata · Quality: candidate unverified · Source record ↗
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Geological and Geochemical Analysis · Geochemistry and Elemental Analysis · Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
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