Talc is a mineral substance that is closely associated with asbestos, and products containing talc may be hazardous for your health.
Find out what talc is used for with this article. Consider products containing talc and the health risks associated with the use of these products.
Industries That Commonly Use Talc
Many different industries throughout the country make use of talc, either in a product or as part of the manufacturing process. You may expect talc to be used in industries focused on the creation of:
- Paint
- Paper
- Plastic
- Rubber
- Ceramics
Additionally, talc is often used in the creation of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even food. These industries use varying amounts of talc. Sometimes talc is included in a final product. In other situations, talc may be used as a lubricant during the construction process.
Specific Items Made with Talc
Talc may be found in a wide range of products. Makeup and other cosmetic products often contain a significant amount of talc. Products with talc may include face powder, eye shadow, lipstick, foundation, and even mascara. Talc may also be found in:
- Chewing gum
- Nutritional supplements
- Crayons
- Children’s toys
These are only examples of items that may contain talc. You may check to see if a product contains talc by looking at its ingredients in many cases. Talc may be found in any product that says it contains talc or:
- Talcum
- Talcum powder
- Cosmetic talc
- Magnesium silicate
Talc may also be found in baby powder. Additionally, it used to be used in condoms and surgical gloves. Talc was removed from these products because of a number of health concerns brought up by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). One of the most recent health concerns, which the FDA confirmed in March 2020, is that some talc samples contained asbestos, a cancer-causing substance.
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Reasons to Avoid Talc Usage
As you can see, talc is found in many products that you may use in your daily life. However, this does not mean that talc is always safe to use. The FDA has been recommending against the use of talc in condoms and surgical gloves for almost two decades.
Concerns regarding talc usage stem from two major issues. The first has to do with asbestos. Talc and asbestos are often found very close to one another under the ground. There is significant concern that talc may be contaminated by asbestos during the mining process.
Talc products that contain traces of asbestos may cause cancer in humans. The FDA found nine talc samples contaminated with asbestos. Various third-party experts also claim that they have identified asbestos in talc products. You may make your own decisions to limit talc usage due to the risk of asbestos.
Even talc that is not contaminated with asbestos may pose a health risk in some circumstances. For example, talc in baby powder may be inhaled by infants. Inhaling talc powder may lead to coughing and choking. Additionally, it may cause:
- Respiratory illnesses
- Chronic disease
- Lung damage
The American Academy of Pediatrics advised parents and guardians of infant children not to use talc on their babies. There is no medicinal value to the use of talc in this circumstance, according to the Academy.
Hazards of Exposure to Asbestos
Exposure to talc contaminated with asbestos may have serious impacts on your health. Asbestos is a dangerous substance that is associated with a number of severe medical conditions, including:
Asbestosis
Asbestosis occurs when asbestos exposure leads to scarring of the lung tissue. This may lead to shortness of breath. Often, asbestosis is a result of chronic inflammation often associated with inhalation of asbestos.
Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, asbestos is a cancer-causing substance. It may cause mesothelioma. This form of cancer may not appear for decades after an individual’s initial exposure to asbestos. It may also lead to cancer of the lungs, larynx, kidneys, colon, pancreas, and more.
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Legal Help for Injuries Related to Talc Usage
You might be able to seek compensation for your losses if you developed cancer or another health condition after exposure to talc contaminated by asbestos. Depending upon your situation, you could receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages at work, and more.
Consult with a talcum powder lawyer to discuss the specific facts of your case.
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Talc is used for the construction of various items or as part of certain medications or health and beauty aids. Unfortunately, sometimes talc may be contaminated with asbestos. Using contaminated talc may lead to serious health conditions. If you are exposed to contaminated talc, you may get help by contacting Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
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