Talcum Powder
Talcum powder has been linked with the appearance of ovarian and uterine cancer, in addition to other injuries. Speak with an attorney about a Talcum Powder related Injury.
What is Talcum Powder?
The main ingredient for talcum powder is talc. Talc is a soft white mineral soapstone, primarily made of magnesium silicate, silicon, and oxygen. Talcum powder is found in a variety of over-the-counter cosmetic products.
Talcum powders include:
- Adult Facial Powder
- Adult Body Powder
- Baby Powder
What Is Talcum Powder Used For?
People have used talcum powder around the world for centuries.It is not exclusive to any industry or brand.Talcum powder is most suitable as a drying agent, and some users even treat it as an offhand tool by washing their hair with it or keeping surfaces dry.
Nowadays, the airy mineral is used most often in the following products:
- Baby powder
- Chalk
- Makeup, such as blush, foundation, and eye shadow
- Paints and glazes
- Soap
- Condoms
- Drug capsules
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste
How Does it Work?
Talcum powder is used for preventing excessive sweating in sensitive areas.
Talcum powder works by:
- Absorbing moisture
- Keeping skin dry
- Cutting down on friction
- Preventing or soothing rashes
Baby Powder Containing Talcum Powder
If you look at talcum powder on its own, it looks just like baby powder.That’s because it is the main ingredient in many baby powders along with cornstarch.In fact, the physical properties of talcum powder make it an alternative to brand name baby powder on its own.The most famous talcum baby powder is made by Johnson & Johnson, a product they’ve sold for over 100 years. It’s intended for babies but is popular for all ages.Controversy has surrounded Johnson & Johnson baby powder after thousands of its users have claimed that the powder caused them to develop adverse health effects such as cancer and mesothelioma. Researchers believe these injuries to be caused by the talcum powder. Talc companies will market the mineral as “pure” or “organic” but fail to ensure the quality of their product. As a result, some talcum powder contains harmful impurities, namely asbestos, a known carcinogen. Inhalation of asbestos can damage the lungs over time and lead to fatal complications.
Talcum Powder Side Effects
The side effects of talcum powder include:
- Irritation of the skin or throat
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Convulsions
Most side effects are more common in infants than in adults.While these symptoms are mild, they may be indicative of a more serious illness, especially respiratory symptoms.It’s recommended you contact a doctor and a talcum powder lawyer if you start to experience talc side effects.
Talcum Powder Injuries & Risks
Using baby powder and other products containing talcum powder puts the user at risk of developing serious injury. Talcum powder particles are so small and mobile that they can enter the body without the person knowing. The particles are not easily filtered, thus disrupting the body’s natural processes and damaging internal organs.Talcum powder injuries have been the basis of thousands of lawsuits in recent years. The primary injuries being investigated are ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
Both diseases can be fatal if left untreated. Since cancer and mesothelioma can take years to show symptoms, their link to using baby powder is not always clear.Your doctor can perform the necessary tests to see if you’ve developed these serious illnesses. They will also ask you certain questions to see if you’ve been exposed to talcum powder products in the past.
Other injuries being attributed to talcum baby powder are:
- Pneumonia
- Lung cancer
- Talcosis
- Endometrial cancer
For any injury you think was caused by using baby powder or another talc product, you may be eligible for a talcum powder lawsuit.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is rare but has been linked to using talcum powder products on or near the vagina. Studies suggest that women who use baby powder in this way have a 30% increased risk of acquiring ovarian cancer. Similar to the respiration problems caused by talcum powder, the particles stay trapped in the ovaries and damage the cells until cancer forms.
Ovarian cancer symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Frequent urination
- Discomfort near the pelvis
Epithelial tumors are the most common type. The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age. If you’re currently using baby powder or another talc product on the pelvis area, consider the risks before continuing. You may want to join the thousands of other women filing talcum powder lawsuits for ovarian cancer.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a lung condition caused by inhaling asbestos. The main characteristic of mesothelioma is fluid buildup on the lining of the lungs. Asbestos is used in some insulations, floor tiles, and old machinery. Sometimes, however, talcum powder contains small amounts of asbestos that go overlooked by the manufacturers. Baby powder labels omit any warnings that the product may contain asbestos.
Mesothelioma symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Muscle weakness
- Trouble breathing
These symptoms don’t appear for decades. Your doctor can perform x-rays, blood tests, and biopsies to test for mesothelioma. While the connection between asbestos and mesothelioma is well-established, the controversy regarding mesothelioma and talcum powder focuses on which brands have a defective product. If a specific brand of talcum powder has caused you or someone you know to be injured, please contact a talcum powder lawyer quickly.
If you habitually used talcum powder and subsequently developed mesothelioma, you may want to contact a mesothelioma lawyer to discuss the possibility of filing a Baby Powder mesothelioma lawsuit.
Links Between Talcum Powder And Ovarian Cancer
As early as the 1970s, scientists began looking at the connection between the dusting of female genitals with talcum powder and ovarian cancer. Based on the marketing of these products for use on babies and as a feminine ritual, most people assume that such a common household item is safe to use. It is imperative that women are warned about the risk of using talcum powder in their daily feminine hygiene routine! Increasing evidence suggests that this staple of bathrooms and nurseries for generations may be linked to ovarian cancer. A recent study shows that women who commonly apply talc products [to the vaginal area] have a 33% increased chance of developing cancer.
Baby Powder Cancer
Research relating asbestos-free baby powder to cancer is conflicting, but the investigation is ongoing.
Some studies suggest that baby powder increases the risk of uterine cancer.
Other studies show that talcum powder increases the risk of lung cancer but only in talc miners, not baby powder consumers.
The government has taken steps to reduce asbestos exposure since the 1970s, but they are yet to intervene with talcum powder.
The World Health Organization classifies asbestos as carcinogenic but has not ruled the same for pure talcum powder.
Nonetheless, many baby powder manufacturers such as Johnson & Johnson warn buyers not to inhale the powder.
Other baby powder companies have even added warning labels for ovarian cancer.
Taking preventative measures to phase out talc is crucial because cancers become less treatable the further they progress.
What Is the Difference Between Talc and Baby Powder?
There is little difference between talc and baby powder. In the past, they could only be differentiated by the scents added to them and the way their makers marketed them.
Baby powder was explicitly made for babies. It was manufactured to prevent diaper rashes as they keep the baby’s skin dry. The main ingredient used in baby powders is either talc or cornstarch, depending on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers still use talc, while others have already shifted to preferring cornstarch because of the issues surrounding talc.
How Does Talcum Powder Cause Cancer?
Talc, when in its natural form, contains asbestos. Asbestos is a silicate mineral used in insulation and makes materials fire-resistant with its heat-resistant and flexible fibers. Exposure to asbestos is highly toxic when inhaled or ingested, as the fibers get trapped inside the body. These trapped fibers cause scarring and inflammation from within. Being subjected to asbestos causes mesothelioma, lung diseases, and even cancer.
Is Talcum Powder Safe for Children?
The discussions about talcum powder cancer risks and why doesn’t it affect children are two contradicting concepts. To clear things up, talcum powder can affect and can be harmful to children. Pediatricians from the American Association of Pediatrics greatly recommend parents avoid using any baby powder with talc as one of the ingredients on their children, especially babies. This is because children and babies can easily inhale the talc particles in the air and cause health problems.
How to Protect Your Baby
- Use a cornstarch-based powder instead of talcum powder.
- Always keep baby powder out of reach of children.
- Keep powder away from your child’s face to avoid inhalation.
- When using powder, place it on your hands first away from your child and then apply to your baby’s skin.
- Use powder sparingly.
- Do not use talcum powder on broken skin.
- Never use any type of powder around infants who are premature or have lung problems.
- Use over-the-counter creams and ointments instead of powder to treat diaper rash.
What Do I Need To Know To File a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
To file a talcum powder lawsuit, you might have to contact an experienced mass tort lawyer. If you are not certain about meeting the above requirements or have any questions, a legal team will help you.
You can also file a lawsuit if you lost a family member or loved one due to a disease they contracted because of talcum powder. A lawyer will help you sort through the details and help you find out your case’s peculiarities.
You might decide to file a lawsuit on your own to go after the Big Pharma companies that manufacture talcum powder. There are also many class-action suits that you may join. Whatever you choose, your lawyer will advise on the best steps to take to get the compensation you deserve.
A part of the first few steps to take while filing a lawsuit is obtaining a few important documents. These include medical records, biopsy reports, evidence of frequent usage of talcum powder, etc.
Going against Big Pharma is never easy. However, with the right representation, you could get the compensation that you deserve.
Who Is Eligible to File a Lawsuit?
People who used a cosmetic or commercial talcum powder product and developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma may be eligible to file a talcum powder lawsuit.
In the case of ovarian cancer lawsuits, women must have used talc-containing products around the genital area daily or almost daily before developing ovarian cancer. It is important to note that women who used baby powders made from cornstarch are not eligible for these lawsuits because cornstarch-based powders don’t contain talc.
Talc Products Implicated in Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits
- Johnson’s Baby Powder
- Shower to Shower
- Gold Bond No Mess Power Spray
- Gold Bond Body Powder
- Gold Bond Extra Strength Body Powder
People who used talc-containing products and developed mesothelioma are also eligible to file a lawsuit. These products can be cosmetic, such as baby powder, or industrial, such as clay, chalk, paper, crayons, pottery, joint compounds and adhesives.
Only a lawyer can properly evaluate your claim. If you’ve developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using talc-containing products, contact a lawyer immediately to preserve your legal rights.
If you or a loved one has suffered in any way due to the use of talcum powder, including a cancer diagnosis, you may be eligible for compensation. Your initial consultation is always FREE. Call now
