Some talc is harmful because some talc products contain asbestos, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Many people use products containing talc—also called talcum powder—in their daily life. You may use talc in baby powder, makeup, or other products. However, talc may be linked to serious health concerns in some cases, despite its prevalence in many products.
Find out more about the health risks associated with talc usage. Consider how using talc could impact your health and review some of your legal options if you believe talc has had a harmful effect on you.
Some Talc Products Are Contaminated with Asbestos
Talc is a mineral that must be mined from the earth before it is used. Veins of talc are often located very close to asbestos. During the mining process, talc may be contaminated with asbestos. This may lead to exposure to asbestos if you use talc products.
Asbestos is a carcinogenic substance. This means that it has been proven to increase the risk of cancer in humans, according to the American Cancer Society. Therefore, any product contaminated by asbestos may be harmful. You should be aware that many large companies that manufacture talc products claim that their products are not contaminated with asbestos. However, the FDA found the presence of asbestos in nine samples they tested.
Individuals who have conducted private testing of talc products have also returned test results indicating the presence of asbestos.
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure
As we mentioned, asbestos may have serious effects on your health. Asbestos is associated with the development and spread of cancer. Most people associate asbestos exposure with the development of mesothelioma, or cancer of the mesothelium.
Mesothelioma may take a long time to develop. It may not begin affecting you for decades after your exposure to asbestos. Additionally, asbestos exposure may lead to another lung disease called asbestosis.
In many cases, these disorders’ symptoms may be treated. However, there is no cure for asbestosis or mesothelioma. This makes the health effects of exposure to asbestos incredibly severe.
Additional Hazards Associated with Talc Usage
Any talc contaminated by asbestos may lead to cancer or asbestosis. However, even talc that is completely pure from asbestos may threaten your health. Individuals who inhale talc may experience negative health effects. This is especially true for infants that may develop a lung condition called pneumoconiosis from inhaling dust—or baby powder that contains talc.
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Talc Usage and Ovarian Cancer
There are growing concerns that the usage of talc powder in the genital region could lead to the development of ovarian cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
There are two major theories as to why talcum powder could contribute to the development of ovarian cancer. These theories argue that:
- Talcum powder contains asbestos, and it is used in many products such as sanitary napkins, condoms, and more, that come in contact with the genital area.
- Talc causes chronic inflammation of the ovaries. Some individuals argue that the use of talc on the genital area allows small particles to travel up the vaginal canal. Once they reach the uterus, they may cause inflammation that could lead to cancer.
While there is no official link between talc usage and ovarian cancer, further testing may draw deeper connections between this form of cancer and the usage of products containing talc.
Steps to Take if You Were Harmed by Talc
As you can see, there are a number of health hazards associated with the use of talc. If you or a family member experienced a health condition that you believe is associated with the usage of a talc product, you might be able to get legal help on your side.
A lawyer could review your medical records and your history of talc usage. If your condition may be linked to talc usage, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. You may even be able to join a class-action lawsuit against a company that produced talc products.
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Consult with a Lawyer About Your Talc-Related Injury
Talc is harmful if it contains traces of asbestos. It could also be harmful if it is inhaled or if it enters body cavities after direct application. If you were hurt by talc usage, you can contact the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
Reach out to a member of our team now by calling (800) 794-0444.
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