
While many cosmetic products contain talc, a naturally occurring mineral, for its moisture and odor-absorbing qualities, there are some alternatives available. Many talc-free products contain either starches or baking soda. Similar to talc, these alternative products can all absorb moisture and act somewhat deodorizing. There are a few alternatives that you could use instead of the traditional baby powder containing talc such as oat flour and tapioca starch.
However, in nature, talc can occur in the vicinity of asbestos, and contamination during the mining process can and does occur. Asbestos, unlike talc, is a known carcinogen that is linked to a number of diseases and cancers, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer. Asbestos has the potential to cause other illnesses, for example, fibrosis of the lung, pleural plaques, and pleural effusion. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tests talc products for asbestos regularly and issued a consumer alert for a baby powder that contained traces of asbestos in 2019.
Based on the fact that occasionally, asbestos particles are found in talc and baby powder, you may opt to use alternative products instead of traditional baby powder. Luckily, there are some products on the market today that do not contain any amount of talc whatsoever.
Overview of Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber that was formerly used widely in many industries and applications. For example, it was present in the insulation of buildings, in car manufacture, and in many other products. Asbestos is not a deliberately added substance in talc products, however, but rather the result of contamination occurring in the mining process.
This means that asbestos concentration in talcum powders can be very small. However, even small amounts of asbestos, if inhaled frequently, could be putting someone at risk for developing an asbestos-related disease. The National Cancer Institute states that while “… health risks from asbestos exposure increase with heavier exposure and longer exposure time and investigators have found asbestos-related diseases in individuals with only brief exposures.”
If you think your health suffered through the use of baby or talcum powder, you might be able to receive compensation. You could talk to your doctor to see if there are tests that would show any lung damage as a result of asbestos exposure. In the case of mesothelioma, the evidence almost always points to asbestos exposure in some form. A recent study confirmed that individuals exposed to asbestos in baby powder developed mesothelioma. Some of the individuals in the study used talcum powder daily for several decades.
Asbestos-related cancers can take decades to develop after exposure, which can make it hard to pinpoint a cause for the disease, especially if you do not remember ever being exposed to asbestos. If you are now ill and used baby powder for years, you may have legal recourse.
Baby Powder and Talcum Lawsuits
If you are suffering from mesothelioma or another cancer or illness caused by asbestos fibers in baby powder, you may need costly treatment. It is important to note that you may be able to hold a company to account for your injuries and financial losses.
Some of the awards you might receive from a talcum powder or mesothelioma lawsuit could include:
- Medical bills, including future medical expenses.
- Lost wages and future earning potential.
- Costs for medical devices and equipment.
- Transportation costs.
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering.
- Costs for home help.
Speak to your talcum powder lawsuit lawyer to find out more. We do not shy away from high profile and tough cases. Our dedicated team can help you determine whether you have a case and advise you on your next best steps. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for your free consultation: (800) 794-0444.