Television at the Crossroads of the History of Consumption and Health: The Morhange Talc Affair (1972-1981)

Abstract

The Morhange talc affair was mediatised by television from 1972. The health scandal brought to light issues of consumerism and cosmetic products in France, after baby talcum powder was accidentally contaminated with hexachlorophene. This article presents a diachronic study of the television coverage between 1972 and 1981. Indeed, the coverage and the development of the scandal is taken as a case study in the role and influence that television can have on current affairs.