The effect of cosmetic talc powder on health

Talc powder is widely used for different purposes worldwide. Effects of talc on the human health is a concern as it has many chemical components. This review is an attempt to present the relevant researches in this field and to summarize the current updates about the topic. Talcum powder exposure has been shown to be a reason in the development of mesotheliomas and carcinoma of the lung in women. Regular cosmetic powders can get attached to larger particles that would deposit in the upper airways of the human respiratory system. The alveolar region is the second most exposed region of the respiratory system. Deposition levels in the tracheobronchial region is the lowest. Cosmetic talc powder, used regularly by women worldwide, can cause detrimental effects on different organ systems of the human body. Awareness on its harmful effects to the users may be useful to reduce the usage to some extent

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population