Asbestos in Talc
How could baby powder be compared to asbestos?
Most of us are careful to avoid the more commonly known forms of asbestos – old insulation, car brake pads, and ceiling tiles just to name a few.
It may be surprising to learn that talc, the most common ingredient in many baby powders and many other products has a chemical composition very close to asbestos. Researchers have known for decades that talc is toxic, behaving much like asbestos in many dangerous ways. Not only does it behave like asbestos, talc often contains small amounts of asbestos fibers. This is because like asbestos, talc is a mineral, and often shows up in the mined material. Once crushed into the form of fine powder, talc and asbestos become indistinguishable.
While the talc industry has bitterly denied that there is asbestos in their products, numerous court cases have proven that many talc workers died from mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure.
Despite a failed ruling that would have banned talc for cosmetic products, it has never been outlawed. Today talc is the main ingredient in numerous products, including flea and tick powder, baby powder, perfumed body powders, medicated powders, and in smaller concentrations antacids, chalk, crayons, soap, paints, asphalt filler, and insulating material.
Talc particles have been proven to cause tumors in the ovaries and lungs of cancer victims. Because talc is often used near the genitals of both babies and adults, it has been linked to the development of ovarian cancer. Frequent inhalation of talc, especially at mining sites has been linked to lung cancer.
Does talc cause cancer and asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma?
The links to cancer are fairly strong, but links to other asbestos related diseases are inconclusive. The only way to completely negate your risk of mesothelioma and other cancers is to avoid talcum powder completely. Read product labels carefully to avoid any products that contain talc. Also make sure that your child’s hospital and or/daycare is not using any products that contain talc.
Call us at (800) 278-8675 to speak with a mesothelioma paralegal
Mesothelioma lawyers may be able to help
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease from workplace or home exposure to asbestos, contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer immediately. Mesothelioma attorneys have helped thousands of mesothelioma patients win compensation for lost wages and medical costs.