An Indiana talcum powder cancer lawsuit may be an option for individuals who have developed certain forms of cancer after using the product. Despite claims that talcum powder (a common ingredient in numerous household products) is safe for use, many women who have used the product in personal hygiene applications have experienced increased rates of certain forms of cancer, including ovarian cancer. Affected individuals and their families may be eligible to file a lawsuit and recover compensation with the help of an Indiana talcum powder cancer lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Indiana 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 attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What Is Talc?
Talc, the substance that makes up talcum powder, is commonly found in metamorphic rocks in areas throughout the United States. Characterized by its weak chemical bonds, talc’s innate structure makes it ideal for a number of consumer products and applications. It is typically procured via open pit mining, and must be meticulously sorted to prevent cross-contamination with other minerals.
This soft mineral has a translucent appearance (although it can have a sheen of brown, green, white, gray or even be colorless) and is categorized as a magnesium silicate hydroxide. In addition to the U.S., talc production primarily takes place in France, Japan, India, Finland, China, South Korea and Brazil.
Uses of Talc
According to Mineral.net, talc has a variety of applications in many different products. Because this mineral is so pliable, it can be easily carved into a number of shapes. This makes it an ideal substance for ornamentation, which can include floor tiling, decorative boxes, sculptures and figurines.
Talc is also found in numerous industrial and consumer products. Electrical components are made using talc, thanks to its insulation properties, and some rubber products contain the substance as a filler material. When it comes to cosmetics, talc is a common ingredient in baby powder, as well as other types of makeup products.
Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
Medical Daily details the alleged links between products containing talcum powder and increased rates of ovarian cancer. A recent study surveyed two groups of women on their talcum powder usage for genital hygiene. The group of women who did not use talcum powder in this manner were found to have a one-third lower risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who regularly applied products containing talcum powder to the genital area.
As described by the American Cancer Society, symptoms associated with ovarian cancer can include the following:
- A feeling of fatigue
- Changes in one’s menstrual cycle
- Pain the abdominal or pelvic region
- Constipation
- Bloating
Some symptoms of ovarian cancer can mimic less serious disorders. To this end, doctors recommend seeking medical treatment if symptoms appear to be prolonged or appear suddenly.
FDA Warnings
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has addressed questions related to the possible asbestos contamination within talcum powder. Although asbestos has been banned from consumer products for some time, many consumers have voiced concerns over whether certain types of talcum powder still contain the substance. The FDA recognizes asbestos as a carcinogen, and as a result, has conducted a survey of talc-based products currently on the market for possible contamination.
The survey involved a range of cosmetic products of varying prices, as well as samples provided by four suppliers of talc out of the nine who were contacted. No asbestos was found in the 34 products reviewed, nor was the substance found in any of the supplier samples that were studied. Despite these results, the FDA warns that this survey was limited in scope due to the relatively small test size.
Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit Claims
CBS News reports on one lawsuit filed against Johnson & Johnson, a manufacturer of many talc-based products. The company was ordered to compensate the family of a woman who succumbed to ovarian cancer after many years spent using baby powder for personal hygiene, in the amount of $55 million. The victim’s family claims the company should have been aware of risks based on prior research, and calls for warning labels on product packaging to caution other women on potential risks.
How an Indiana Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit 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 File a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Indiana. 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.
