Talcum powder mesothelioma may be an overlooked risk by woman and others who use talc-based products, especially in light of recent news of lawsuits addressing claims that baby powder causes ovarian cancer. A study has concluded that a specific brand of talcum powder contains asbestos fibers, and relatively young women with no exposure to other suspected sources of asbestos have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer affecting the tissues that surround the body’s internal organs. Affected woman and others may be eligible to seek compensation with the help of a mesothelioma asbestos lawyer.
For more information, contact Attorney Group today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated talcum powder mesothelioma attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Important: The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.
What is Mesothelioma?
According to WebMD, mesothelioma is cancer of the:
Protective membrane that lines most of the body’s internal organs. Three out of every four cases cases of mesothelioma disease begin in the pleural mesothelium of the chest cavity. Mesothelioma can also begin in the abdominal cavity and around the heart.
Mesothelioma is mainly caused by exposure to asbestos. Symptoms of the disease in the chest include shortness of breath and chest pain. Symptoms of peritoneal abdominal mesothelioma can include:
- Weight loss
- Swelling and pain in the abdomen
- Blood clotting abnormalities
- Bowel obstruction
- Anemia
- Fever
Mesothelioma is relatively rare, with approximately 3,000 cases diagnosed each year. It is a particularly deadly form of cancer, however, with five year survival rates of between just 5% and 10%.
Talcum Powder Mesothelioma: Exploring the Link
An article appearing in the October 2014 International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health and republished by the National Center for Biotechnology Information reports on a study, conducted for the purposes of litigation, which explored the issue of “Asbestos in commercial cosmetic talcum powder as a cause of mesothelioma in women.” After analyzing concentrations of an unnamed brand of talcum powder, the researchers noted that:
This brand of talcum powder contained asbestos and the application of talcum powder released inhalable asbestos fibers. Lung and lymph node tissues removed at autopsy revealed pleural mesothelioma. Digestions of the tissues were found to contain anthophyllite and tremolite asbestos.
In the article, the researches discussed the various historical studies exploring the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, which has been alleged in Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuits. The authors noted that the same types of asbestos found in earlier studies were found in their study, and they also noted that talc has been identified as the cause of mesothelioma in miners.
The study concluded that the brand of talcum powder tested contained asbestos fibers that likely “caused or contributed” to mesothelioma in a woman whose tissue they tested as a part of the study.
Other reports note that there has been confusion as to why many women — frequently young — are being diagnosed with mesothelioma, despite having no obvious asbestos exposures. This study seems to shed light on that question, as well as other questions raised by the talcum powder mesothelioma link.
Industry representative maintain that mesothelioma development in women who have been exposed to talcum powder, but no other known asbestos sources, is either idiopathic (that is, without an identifiable cause) or caused by interactions with partners who have been exposed to asbestos. At least one case, where a jury awarded $13 million to a woman who contracted mesothelioma from exposure to allegedly asbestos-containing talcum powder, has dismissed that explanation.
How a Talcum Powder Mesothelioma Attorney Can Help
Product makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a product maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by the fault of others may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those killed may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
