Johnson & Johnson, a large company frequently referred to as “J&J,” produces a number of pharmaceutical, medical, and consumer goods products. While J&J is based in New Jersey, there are a number of manufacturing plants located around the United States. One of the most popular Johnson & Johnson products, baby powder, has served consumers of all ages for decades to treat rashes, irritation, and other conditions. J&J baby powder is manufactured at various facilities around the United States.
Recently, some J&J manufacturing locations have reported possible impurities in baby powder. These impurities, such as the presence of asbestos, can be potentially harmful to your health. If you have used baby powder from a contaminated production location your health could be at risk.
Manufacturing Lot #22318RB
While Johnson and Johnson has many production locations for the popular product baby powder, the specific lot #22318RB has been associated with an asbestos impurity. In late 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a voluntary recall for baby powder produced by Johnson & Johnson. According to the FDA, any consumer who is holding or has used baby powder from lot #22318RB should return it immediately.
If you have purchased or used baby powder coming from this lot, it is possible that you were exposed to asbestos. Because each individual container of baby powder produced by J&J discloses the lot number on the back of the neck of the bottle, you can check your products to see if they may have come from this particular lot. Ongoing tests on samples of baby powder from other lots are currently being conducted, so even if your product is not from lot #22318RB it is still possible that this product can be dangerous to your health.
Federal Recall of Baby Powder
One of the primary ingredients in baby powder is talc, and when manufacturers do not purify it properly, talc can contain potentially dangerous amounts of asbestos. Because J&J baby powder is manufactured in many locations, it is possible that products from other processing facilities contain a similar impurity.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a term used to encompass a class of naturally occurring silicate minerals that are known carcinogens in humans. Asbestos can be found in many common materials such as building products, in addition to other consumer goods like baby powder. The duration and intensity of asbestos exposure could play a role in how likely you are to experience health repercussions. Asbestos has been linked to lung disease, like the rare form of cancer, mesothelioma, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer affecting the lining of organs, most commonly the lungs, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Your chances of developing mesothelioma are dramatically increased if you have been exposed to asbestos.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the symptoms of this cancer include:
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath or other breathing difficulties and abnormalities
- Chronic cough
- Blood or discharge from coughing
- Abdominal pain
- Sudden weight loss
If mesothelioma is detected and treated in time, the chances of survival or an improved diagnosis are greater. If you are exhibiting any signs of mesothelioma, especially after a known exposure to asbestos, you should seek immediate medical guidance. Asbestos may be present in several consumer goods that you have in your house, including baby powder. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, you may also have legal options if another party may have been at fault for your exposure.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
What to Do if You Were Exposed
If you or someone you love was potentially exposed to asbestos by using Johnson & Johnson baby powder, your health could be at risk. It is important to seek immediate medical attention, especially if you are exhibiting signs that something could be wrong.
While you are addressing possible health issues, you may also be wondering about your legal options. According to Reuters, several lawsuits against the company assert that it knew about asbestos in its talc products for years. Your exposure to a potentially carcinogenic chemical could be the result of Johnson & Johnson failing to produce a safe product or disclose potential dangers in time.
J&J baby powder is manufactured in several facilities across the United States, so—regardless of where you live—if you use this product, you may have been exposed. Some victims of wrongful exposure to dangerous substances like asbestos can collect compensation.
If you would like to learn more about your legal options, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm by calling (800) 794-0444. We can discuss your case in detail and help you determine the best course of action during this uncertain time.
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