Talc Is a Dangerous Element in Some Everyday Products
Talc is a mineral sourced from open-pit sites all over the world, and its notable softness has made it a common component in everything from rubber gloves to makeup. It has recently come under scrutiny for its health risks, leading to a multitude of product liability claims.Companies Face Product Liability Claims Over Products Containing Cancer-Causing Talc
What was once considered harmless enough to use in powder intended for infants increasingly appears to be a carcinogen. To make matters worse, companies like Johnson and Johnson have known for decades that the talc in their products had been often been contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. Women across the U.S. have brought lawsuits against Johnson and Johnson Baby Powder after decades of exposure and the development of deadly illnesses, like ovarian cancer. In some cases, accusations of negligence are made on behalf of loved ones who have already succumbed to the effects of talc exposure.What Products Contain Talc?
Known for its absorbent and lubricating qualities, the mineral talc is a common element in hygiene products, decorative products, and some construction materials. Talc is a common feature in many beauty products, allowing consumers to enjoy light coverage foundation, spread blush, and keep their skin hydrated. It is also used by athletes, like basketball players and gymnasts, who often use talc-based chalk to improve their grip. Talc is typically ground up into powder form in order to manipulate the consistency of other substances.Talc is Present in Many Forms of Rubber, Paint, Plastic, Paper, and Ceramics
For example, let's say you've recently remodeled your bathroom- talc probably had a hand in virtually every aspect of the process. A remarkably useful mineral, talc increases the efficiency of the ceramic floor tile process; by acting as a cleaning agent, talc promotes the amalgamation of the clay, allowing it to be created at a lower temperature. Whether you picked a calming neutral or a bold statement color, talc made the paint stickier and helped produce a more consistent texture. The instructions for the side table you bought are easy to read because the addition of talc created quality paper without ink smudges. Talc helps your plastic trash can maintain its shape, the sealant on your tub to stick properly, and evenly apply the eyeshadow from the makeup palette on your countertop.When Should I Be Worried About Talc in Products?
Thus far, it appears that concentrated applications of talc to sensitive areas or the direct inhalation of talc dust are the primary carcinogenic culprits. The key is how the talc comes into contact with your body, how frequently it comes into contact with the same spot, and how much talc is present. In most cases, contact with talc appears harmless. You likely use products containing talc every day, and you'd never know the difference; unfortunately, knowing can make all the difference when it comes to potential carcinogens.Hygiene Products Containing Talc May Increase the Risk of Cancer
For consumer products, baby powder remains a big concern. For decades, women used it to maintain freshness and combat chafing; however, by repeatedly applying it to their genital region they unknowingly risked developing ovarian cancer. Frequent inhalation may also develop into mesothelioma; only 10% of mesothelioma victims survive longer than 5 years. Companies like Johnson and Johnson deliberately denied consumers the chance to make an informed decision when they left talc warnings off of their products, despite their knowledge of their contaminated products; this leaves them wide open to accusations of negligence. By behaving in this way, they have violated not only your trust, but also their duty of care; they have the responsibility to “act toward[s]... the public with the watchfulness, attention, caution, and prudence that a reasonable person… would use.”Who Can I Hold Liable for Cancer Caused By Talcum-Based Baby Powder?
Emerging research has indicated the potential link between cancer and talc, especially talc that has come into contact with asbestos. When you buy something as innocuous as baby powder, you should not have to be afraid of developing cancer. If you've developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using a talcum-based baby powder, you may be eligible for several types of damages.Companies Creating Talcum Powder Products Can Be Held Liable for a Cancer Diagnosis
Unfortunately, companies like Johnson and Johnson continue to deny that their products have carcinogens and refuse to add warning labels; as a result, they have found themselves embroiled in many costly lawsuits over products like Shower to Shower and their widely-recognized baby powder. As a consumer, you have the right to expect that the products you consume are free from cancer-causing substances. Baby powder companies have repeatedly breached their duty to consumers, a textbook case of negligence that has directly led to injury and devastating consequences. This makes them liable in a product liability claim. Johnson and Johnson have dominated the baby powder market longer than humans have been launching into space, and they've known about the potential health hazards for nearly as long; that's plenty of time to take accountability for a dangerous product.Contact Dolman Law Group for Help With Your Talcum Baby Powder Cancer Claim
Not every woman who used talcum baby powder has developed ovarian cancer, but the victims of gross negligence are not insignificant to the families of the impacted women. A cancer diagnosis matters to them, and it matters to us. A diagnosis is just the first step in what is often a difficult and heartbreaking road. While you're fighting the ravaging effects of chemo or facing invasive surgery, the medical bills will start piling up. You may experience lost wages when you have to miss work for doctor's appointments, or require expensive modifications to make your home accessible. In effect, your plate is already full before you even think about filing a personal injury claim to collect special damages, let alone compensation for things like pain and suffering. You need an experienced baby powder talc lawyer to take on giant corporations; they'll undoubtedly be backed up by a team of lawyers, and you should be too. Dolman Law Group offers comprehensive legal services, starting with a free-of-charge consultation where we'll listen to your story with an empathetic ear. We'll get you seen by qualified doctors, collect evidence, and walk you through the process of filing a personal injury claim. Whatever comes next for you and your family, the lawyers of Dolam Law Group are in it for the long haul. Contact our offices at (727) 451-6900. You can also send us an email on our contact us page.