Talc is a soft mineral found in the ground that was widely used nearly 100 years as a successful way to reduce moisture and friction from both adults and children’s bodies, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Since the 1970s, research has shown a direct relationship between talc and asbestos, which is a known carcinogen.
While talcum powder itself is not dangerous, talc often contains particles of asbestos as well, as both of these minerals are often found in the ground near each other. The asbestos fibers lodge in different areas of the body where they can remain dormant for years and then suddenly develop into aggressive mesothelioma, peritoneal, or ovarian cancer.
Ovarian and Peritoneal Cancer
Talc particles were actually found in tissue samples removed from ovarian tumors as soon as 1971, according to research published in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Scientists believe the talc particles contained asbestos, which is a mineral known to have sharp, thin fibers that easily lodge in different areas of the body. If a woman places talcum powder near the genital area, these asbestos-containing talc fibers can travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovaries. Additionally, these talc fibers containing asbestos can also travel to the entire peritoneal area, which is the thin membrane that covers the entire lower abdominal area.
According to Reuters, Johnson & Johnson, one of the largest talcum powder manufacturers, knew that their talcum powder products actually contained asbestos. While they continue to claim that their products remain safe for consumers, billions of dollars were ultimately awarded to victims that claim their ovarian and peritoneal cancers developed following a long use of talc-containing products. According to the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML), over 13,000 lawsuits against talcum powder manufacturers currently exist.
If you developed ovarian cancer, you can seek legal counsel to help you determine if you have the legal right to file a claim against a talcum powder manufacturer due to the fact that talcum powders are dangerous.
Mesothelioma Cancer
Workers may suffer exposure to talc through their employment in mining this mineral or in factories that contained talc products. Even some barbershops used talc consistently as a product on men resulting in barbershop employees developing different types of medical issues, including the development of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lining of the lungs, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). When asbestos fibers lodge in the lining of the lungs, they remain dormant for years or even decades. At some point, they can begin to aggressively turn cancerous, resulting in mesothelioma.
The constant inhalation of talcum powder or talc-containing products can create an increased risk of the development of mesothelioma. If you developed mesothelioma following extensive exposures to talc-containing products, consider the following questions:
- Were you consistently exposed to talcum powder or talc-containing products?
- Did you inhaled these products for a number of years in a mine, a barbershop, or another industry that has an environment containing talc products?
- Did the biopsy results of your mesothelioma show any asbestos or talc fibers?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have a case for compensation.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 217-6099
What to Do if You Develop Any Type of Cancer After Talc Exposure
If you develop any kind of mesothelioma, ovarian, peritoneal cancer, or another type of serious or life-threatening medical condition after suffering talc or asbestos exposure, you should always follow the advice of your medical provider. Every treatment will remain the same, no matter how your cancer actually developed.
If a manufacturer knows that all talcum powders are dangerous, then you may have the legal right to pursue justice and compensation if your exposure led to your diagnosis.
Learn How a Talcum Powder Lawsuit Lawyer Can Help
Research from the NCI and various peer-reviewed journals suggests that all talcum powders are dangerous due to the fact that talc often contains particles of asbestos, a known carcinogen.
If you developed mesothelioma, peritoneal, or ovarian cancer after extended exposure to talcum powders or talc-containing products, learn how a talcum powder lawsuit lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and help you with your case. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 217-6099 for your free consultation today.
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