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If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer you could be entitled to significant compensation from both the Asbestos Trust Funds and asbestos product manufactures.
Contact us now for a FREE consultation.
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If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer you could be entitled to significant compensation from both the Asbestos Trust Funds and asbestos product manufactures.
Contact us now for a FREE consultation.
Free Case Review
Talc is an ingredient often used in cosmetic products ranging from blush to baby powder. Talc, a natural mineral, is frequently used in industrial and consumer products. The mineral is mined, and in the process, it becomes possible for asbestos to contaminate it. The two look similar, leading to asbestos exposure through contaminated talcum powder products. Asbestos has been shown to have links to the development of mesothelioma and other cancers.
Talc is a natural mineral known for its versatility and various applications. It is made of magnesium, oxygen and silicon, mined from global deposits and then processed into a fine powder. Due to the properties of talc, including the fact that it’s soft and lubricating, it has many uses. It’s also got a smooth and silky texture and is absorbent, creating a matte finish. Uses include:
The marketing of talc products has been going on since the 1800s, but there have been substantial questions about their safety in recent decades. On its own, pure talc is considered safe. Unfortunately, it’s talc contaminated with asbestos that can harm health.
Talc and asbestos frequently occur near each other naturally in the earth, with asbestos being a known carcinogen. When raw talc is mined, it can contain asbestos fibers. Talc is often contaminated with amphibole asbestos, which includes five different types. These types of asbestos, according to research, may be more likely to lead to diseases.
Talc mining sites must be carefully selected to avoid the risk of asbestos contamination. Asbestos is known to cause cancers both in and around the lungs if it’s inhaled.
In 1976, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrances Association (CTFA) issued voluntary guidelines that talc in cosmetic products in the U.S. should be free of any detectable amounts of asbestos. Even before this, in the 1960s, some studies started showing potential links between the use of talc powders and products and the increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Talc and asbestos frequently occur near each other naturally in the earth, with asbestos being a known carcinogen. When raw talc is mined, it can contain asbestos fibers. Talc is often contaminated with amphibole asbestos, which includes five different types. These types of asbestos, according to research, may be more likely to lead to diseases.
Talc mining sites must be carefully selected to avoid the risk of asbestos contamination. Asbestos is known to cause cancers both in and around the lungs if it’s inhaled.
In 1976, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrances Association (CTFA) issued voluntary guidelines that talc in cosmetic products in the U.S. should be free of any detectable amounts of asbestos. Even before this, in the 1960s, some studies started showing potential links between the use of talc powders and products and the increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral of thin, durable, heat-resistant fibers. It was often used in manufacturing, automotive, shipbuilding, construction and other industries. Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos fibers can create significant health risks. Inhaling airborne asbestos fibers can lead to potentially deadly health conditions, including:
Lung cancer can result from prolonged asbestos exposure.
The issue of asbestos being found in talc products has been ongoing, with some of the key events including:
In the early to mid-20th century, asbestos was commonly used across many industries and consumer products. Talc was frequently mined along asbestos deposits, leading to unintentional talc contamination with asbestos fibers.
In the 1960s and 1970s, scientific studies started to link asbestos exposure to serious health issues, including cancer and lung diseases. Regulatory bodies like OSHA and the EPA started to take notice, establishing guidelines that limited asbestos exposure in the workplace.
Later in the 20th century, concerns arose about asbestos in talc products, especially talcum powder, frequently used for hygiene and personal care products.
The 1980s and '90s saw legal action being taken against talc manufacturers, with an allegation that talc products contaminated with asbestos were leading to health issues, including respiratory diseases and ovarian cancers. Some talc manufacturers began initiating quality control and testing measures to detect and eliminate asbestos from products.
From the 2000s to 2010s, there were various lawsuits related to talc products, with companies facing litigation over alleged asbestos contamination. The FDA and other regulatory agencies started to monitor and test products intensely with talc to ensure they weren’t contaminated with asbestos.
In recent years, there have been ongoing battles between manufacturers of talc and individuals claiming they were harmed because of asbestos exposure. Regulatory scrutiny has led to companies implementing more stringent quality control measures and conducting testing to make sure their talc products are free from asbestos.
While there’s more awareness about the potential presence of asbestos in talc products, there’s still no required testing from the FDA. The talc industry has undertaken changes voluntarily, and talc products continue testing positive for asbestos.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) did independent testing of talc cosmetics in 2020, finding that 15% of tested cosmetics contained asbestos fibers. This puts consumers and the employees who manufacture these products at risk.
While asbestos exposure in other settings is usually linked with respiratory illnesses and mesothelioma, with asbestos-containing talc, the risk of ovarian cancer is another cause for concern. It’s thought that talc products with asbestos, frequently used on the genital area, could travel through the reproductive tract, reaching the ovaries. This could then lead to inflammation and the development of cancerous cells.
Some epidemiological studies show a possible association between long-term talcum use in the genital area and a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) does classify talc contaminated with asbestos as a carcinogen.
In a study in 2010, there was an initial suggestion perineal talcum powder could be associated with more of a risk of endometrial cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. Another study in 2019 found an association between the use of talc and endometrial cancer.
This study was retrospective, meaning it looked back at the habits of women already diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Another study a few years later found no increased endometrial risk associated with upper or lower-body talcum powder exposure.
A meta-analysis that reviewed 14 separate observational studies recently found links between lung cancer and talc inhalation, regardless of whether the talc contained asbestos fibers. Researchers believe this could be because talc, when inhaled, is inflammatory regardless of its asbestos content.
A meta-analysis that reviewed 14 separate observational studies recently found links between lung cancer and talc inhalation, regardless of whether the talc contained asbestos fibers. Researchers believe this could be because talc, when inhaled, is inflammatory regardless of its asbestos content.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and when talc is contaminated with it, it may cause malignant mesothelioma. Asbestos is currently the primary known cause of mesothelioma, a rare, aggressive cancer. The latency period for asbestos exposure and subsequent development of mesothelioma can be long, ranging from 20 to 60 years.
Industrial talc has been found to contain some of the highest levels of asbestos, while cosmetic talc testing reveals contamination levels ranging from 0-30% asbestos. In January 2023, researchers outlined 166 mesothelioma cases in people with substantial talc product exposure. In 122 cases, cosmetic talc was the only known source of asbestos exposure.
Some of the many products that have been found to contain asbestos include:
Johnson & Johnson has been manufacturing talc products for decades, but in May 2020, it announced it would end sales of baby powders with talc in North America. For years, the company has faced lawsuits over product safety, with plaintiffs claiming trace asbestos amounts in the powder as the cause of their cancer. Some say the decision to stop selling the product in North America is an admission of guilt, but J&J says it’s due to a decline in sales of talc-based baby powder. The cornstarch baby powders from the company are still on the market.
In August 2022, J&J announced it would switch to only selling cornstarch baby powder globally.
Consumers who use talcum powder and other cosmetics could be at risk of exposure to asbestos, with no amount being safe. There may be secondary exposure that becomes a risk as well. For example, if you live in a home with someone who regularly uses talc-contaminated asbestos, you could be at risk of inhaling or ingesting the fibers.
Miners can be exposed, as can manufacturing workers when they’re producing these products. Other examples of people who may have had substantial exposure to talc-containing asbestos are:
If you’re diagnosed with certain types of cancer, including mesothelioma or ovarian cancer, you may be eligible for asbestos compensation. Sometimes, family members may also be able to file a claim.
In 2020, J&J reached a $100 million settlement resolving more than 1,000 claims of asbestos-contaminated baby powder-causing cancers, including mesothelioma. In 2015, an award of $13 million was handed to a mesothelioma patient in a California court. She’d filed a lawsuit against Colgate-Palmolive, stating that she developed mesothelioma from regularly using Cashmere Bouquet.
Whittaker, Clark & Daniels paid out verdicts of $7 million and $18 million in 2015 and 2016 as talc distributors.
In 2022, a jury in California ordered Avon to pay a patient with mesothelioma more than $50 million with the lawsuit claiming the victim experienced exposure to asbestos through the use of talc-based cosmetic products she’d used for decades. According to the jury’s findings, Avon knew about the risks but didn’t warn customers.
Courts continue to hear cases, and there’s a call for stricter talc regulations for product consumers and workers.
If you believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos and become ill as a result, through cosmetics or in other ways, please contact our experienced legal team today to learn more about the options for compensation available to you.
Talcum powder is used for various personal care and cosmetic purposes. It is commonly used to absorb moisture, reduce friction, and prevent rashes. It is often found in baby powder, body powders, and face powders.
Asbestos can get into talcum powder because talc and asbestos minerals often occur naturally in close proximity to each other in the earth. During the mining process, talc can become contaminated with asbestos if proper safety and testing measures are not followed
Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health risks, including:
Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease that causes scarring of lung tissue and breathing difficulties.
Lung cancer: Increased risk of developing lung cancer.
Pleural plaques: Thickening and hardening of the pleura, the lining of the lungs.
Other cancers: Increased risk of cancers in the gastrointestinal tract, larynx, and ovaries
It is difficult to tell if talcum powder contains asbestos just by looking at it. To ensure safety, check for recalls and safety notices issued by health authorities and consumer protection agencies. You can also contact the manufacturer for information about their testing and safety measures.
If you think you’ve been exposed to asbestos, take the following steps:
Stop using the product immediately: Discontinue use of the talcum powder or any other suspected source of asbestos.
Consult a doctor: Schedule a medical examination and inform your doctor about the potential asbestos exposure.
Get regular check-ups: Regular health check-ups can help detect any asbestos-related conditions early.
Contact an attorney: If you believe your exposure was due to negligence, consider consulting an attorney to discuss potential legal actions
Yes, there are safe alternatives to talcum powder, including:
Cornstarch: A natural and safe alternative that absorbs moisture and reduces friction.
Arrowroot powder: Another natural option that works similarly to cornstarch.
Baking soda: Can be used as a deodorant and moisture absorber.
Oat flour: Gentle on the skin and effective at absorbing moisture.
Companies have responded to lawsuits about asbestos in talcum powder in various ways, including:
Recalls: Voluntarily recalling products suspected of containing asbestos.
Settlements: Settling claims out of court to compensate affected individuals.
Discontinuation: Ceasing the production and sale of talcum powder products.
Public statements: Issuing statements to address safety concerns and outline their testing procedures.
Symptoms of asbestos-related diseases can include:
Mesothelioma: Shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
Asbestosis: Shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest tightness, and finger clubbing.
Lung cancer: Persistent cough, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, and frequent respiratory infections.
Other cancers: Symptoms vary depending on the type and location of the cancer.
You can find more information about the safety of talcum powder from reputable sources such as:
Health authorities: Websites of organizations like the FDA, CDC, and EPA.
Consumer protection agencies: Reports and advisories from agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Medical organizations: Information from cancer research organizations and medical journals.
Legal and advocacy groups: Resources provided by organizations focused on asbestos awareness and legal rights
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