Talc is a mineral that contains oxygen, silicon, and magnesium. Parents used talcum powders for decades to prevent chafing and diaper rash in babies. Women also used talcum powders to absorb moisture in the genital area.
Talc can also reduce many kinds of friction, prevent rashes, and even keep skin dry. However, decades of research have established a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, beginning with a 1971 study from the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (BJOG).
Talc Mining
You can typically find a talc mine near asbestos pockets in the Earth. Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral that is a known carcinogen, which is a cancer-causing agent. The close proximity of these minerals to each other has led to the presence of asbestos in talcum powder.
The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies talc that contains asbestos as “carcinogenic to humans.”
There Are Other Hazards Related to Talc
While most people focus on mesothelioma or ovarian cancer, inhaling talcum powder can cause a baby to develop life-threatening respiratory issues, according to a 1981 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Talc and Lawsuits
Thousands of lawsuits are pending against Johnson & Johnson, brought by both women and men, due to its products that contain talc. Women and their families brought lawsuits based on their diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and men and women both brought lawsuits based on their diagnosis of mesothelioma.
While Johnson & Johnson argued that its products did not contain asbestos, other tests indicated that its talc-products contained asbestos particles. The scientific community has differing opinions regarding whether there is an increased risk of cancer due to talc-based products. However, juries have strongly sided in the majority of cases with the victims and awarded them billions of dollars for their injuries related to the use of talc products.
What You Should Know About Talc-Free Powders
There are several talc-free alternatives on the market. They include:
- Cornstarch
- Arrowroot powder
- Tapioca starch
- Baking soda
- Kaolin clay
- Bentonite clay
There is no research proving whether talc-free powder is safe or dangerous to use. However, the most significant benefit of using talc-free powders is that you can be sure the product you are using does not contain asbestos.
If you are considering using a talc-free powder on yourself or your child, we recommend speaking with a doctor or pediatrician. If you are currently using talc-based powder on yourself, we recommend you stop immediately.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
Contact Our Legal Team Today
Understanding what your options are regarding talc and talc-free products is important to make healthy decisions. If you used products that contained talc in the past, and you have (or had) ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, you may have the right to compensation for your injuries. A talcum powder lawsuit lawyer can help you determine your next steps and build a strong case to recover the compensation you deserve. The manufacturer should pay for your injuries. We want to help.
Contact the attorneys at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 today. The consultation is free.
We will handle your case on a contingency basis, which means that you pay nothing unless and until you recover compensation.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
