Asbestos: The Hidden Danger in Your Talcum Powder

March 2, 2020  |  Mesothelioma
Asbestos: The Hidden Danger in Your Talcum Powder

For decades, people have been using talcum powder in cosmetic and personal hygiene products. The soft, powdery consistency of talc makes it useful for absorbing moisture and odors. As a result, talc is often the key ingredient in many baby powders, foot powders, and cosmetic products.

Hidden Danger

While consumers have been using talc products for some time, they have also been unknowingly putting themselves and others at risk of developing deadly diseases.

Recently, the deadly mineral asbestos has been discovered in many talc products. Some cosmetics, and even Johnson & Johnson baby powder, have tested positive for asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used for many decades as a component in insulation materials. However, asbestos use has largely been banned after it was discovered that exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of deadly diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

How Does Asbestos Get into Talcum Powder?

Talc and asbestos are both naturally occurring minerals that often develop alongside each other in the earth. When talc is mined it can become contaminated with asbestos minerals. As a result, talc products made from talc deposits containing asbestos will most likely be contaminated with asbestos.

Health Hazards

People who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk for developing deadly asbestos-related diseases. Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure that can affect the lining of the lungs or lining of the abdomen. Thousands of individuals have filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson because they reportedly developed mesothelioma after using the company’s talcum powder.

In a 2018 lawsuit, a jury awarded 22 women and their families more than $4 billion after they argued that asbestos in Johnson & Johnson baby powder contributed to their ovarian cancer. Johnson & Johnson continues to deny allegations that its products contain asbestos and says that its products are safe.

Next Steps

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently held a hearing on the safety of talcum powder after regulators discovered asbestos in some cosmetics and powders, including Johnson & Johnson baby powder.

A task force appointed by the FDA urged the agency to standardize testing for asbestos and other minerals in talc. The FDA has not required manufacturers to test for asbestos, but the expert panel recommended that any mineral particle found in talc products that are small enough to be drawn into the lungs should be counted as potentially harmful.

Contact Baron & Budd

Baron & Budd’s asbestos litigation lawyers were among the first in the country to take on an asbestos-related case, more than 40 years ago, and our dedication to helping mesothelioma victims has only increased over the years. Today Baron & Budd’s team of dedicated mesothelioma lawyers works across the nation, winning many precedent-setting cases and handling many mesothelioma claims. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are likely entitled to compensation from those responsible. Make sure you have the best mesothelioma attorneys on your side throughout the legal process.

After a mesothelioma diagnosis, you need the best and most experienced asbestos lawyers on your side. Mesothelioma litigation is complex and requires a team of lawyers, investigators, medical experts, and specialized mesothelioma researchers so that you can get the biggest payout. If you have family counting on you for financial support, hiring a lawyer means you are taking the first step toward financial security for your family. We know that no amount of money from a lawsuit can make things right, but the money from a lawsuit can help your family cover costly medical bills and help support your loved ones at a time when you may be struggling financially. Call 855-280-7664 or contact us online.

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