Did You Develop Cancer From Using Talcum Powder?
Do you or a loved one use talcum powder or products containing talc? Have you recently been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, lung cancer, or mesothelioma? You may be entitled to significant compensation if you answered yes to these questions. Contact our New York defective product attorneys to learn more.
For many years talcum powder was a staple product in homes around the United States, solving various problems from diaper rash to musty clothes. However, current research suggests that talcum powder and other talc products may increase your risk of developing cancer.
Talc naturally occurs in locations that also contain asbestos, which is a substance that greatly increases your risk of developing cancer. Much of the talc used in consumer products may be contaminated with asbestos without careful mining practices. Any exposure to asbestos can be detrimental to your health and may cause you to develop various types of cancer.
A 2019 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) study found that a wide variety of talc products tested positive for asbestos. While some companies, like Johnson & Johnson, have voluntarily recalled their talcum powder products, many talc products are still available for purchase.
If you or a loved one developed cancer after using talcum powder, you have the right to demand compensation from the manufacturer.
Why You Need an Attorney
If you file a claim against a large corporation, you will face numerous hurdles, even with a valid case. These companies hire teams of attorneys to prevent financial losses due to defective or dangerous products. This means that these companies often do not pay for the harm they have caused.
If you try to file a claim independently, the company’s attorneys may question you about your case or offer you a minimal settlement to silence your claim. You should never talk with a corporation’s attorney without your own lawyer present. Your attorney will protect you from saying anything that might jeopardize your case. They will also ensure that the company does not undermine or dismiss the severity of the pain you have experienced.
To ensure that you receive appropriate compensation for your talcum powder case, you must have a skilled attorney fighting. This is the best way to prevent a corporation from taking advantage of you during this difficult time.
Why Choose Hach & Rose, LLP to Handle Your Case?
The attorneys at Hach & Rose, LLP are proud to help our clients fight against corporations producing dangerous products. Our firm’s founders, Michael Rose, and Gregory Hach, have dedicated years to honing their skills in the legal field. Their partnership has built a law firm with a proven track record of success, even for the most complex of cases. Through aggressive legal tactics and unwavering support for our clients, Hach & Rose, LLP will protect you and your right to compensation.
Furthermore, Hach & Rose, LLP believes everyone should have access to an attorney when facing a legal battle. The cost of hiring a lawyer should never stop you from seeking the justice you deserve. We guarantee you will not pay us anything unless you receive a settlement.
When you work with Hach & Rose, LLP, you will know that your attorneys are doing everything they can to help you win.
What Is Talcum Powder?
Talcum powder is produced from the mineral talc, which contains magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. This mineral is useful for reducing moisture and preventing chaffing, making it a common ingredient in various healthcare and beauty products.
Pure talc is not dangerous. However, in certain mining locations, this mineral may also contain asbestos. According to the American Cancer Society, exposure to asbestos in any form can create a serious health hazard and increase the risk of tumorous growth. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure.
If manufacturers do not carefully test their talc before adding it to a product, you may unknowingly be exposing yourself to asbestos. When negligent or careless production practices cause you to become ill, the companies who are responsible need to pay the price.
Common Uses for Talcum Powder
Talcum powder has various uses, and for many years, this product was touted as a cure for any number of moisture-related problems. Some of the most common uses of talcum powder include:
- Reducing moisture around the genitals
- Preventing chafing and rashes
- Soothing dry skin
- Setting makeup
- Drying oils in your hair
- Removing smells from clothing and shoes
Despite the popularity of talcum powder, the FDA has recorded concerns about the dangers of talc since the 1970s. The FDA has noted that talc poses the greatest risk when applied to the skin, especially near or on the genitals. However, breathing in substances that contain talc may also increase your risk of cancer.
Which Products Contain Talc?
Using talcum powder is not the only way that you may be exposed to talc. Due to the moisture-reducing properties of this mineral, manufacturers add talc to numerous products. Some of the most common products that may include talc are:
- Baby powder
- Cosmetics
- Bodysprays and deodorant
- Chewing gum
- Crayons
- Chalk
In some of these products, manufacturers may list talc as a magnesium silicate ingredient. This tactic can make talc more difficult to identify in everyday products.
What Are the Risks of Using Talcum Powder?
The greatest risk of using talcum powder is an increased chance of developing cancer if the talc is contaminated with asbestos. Asbestos can cause cells to mutate, which may lead to cancerous growth in organs throughout your body. The types of cancer most frequently associated with using talcum powder and other talc products include:
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Lung cancer
- Skin cancer
- Mesothelioma
Consumers across the globe have reported an increase in these types of cancer after using products that contain talc. Workers who mine talc also demonstrate extremely high lung cancer rates due to continued asbestos exposure.
As a result of these findings, the FDA began testing talc-based products for asbestos in 2017. The 2019 report showed that the following companies produced products that contained some level of asbestos:
- Johnson and Johnson talcum powder
- Claire’s cosmetics
- Beauty Plus Global cosmetics
The extent of the damage that asbestos-contaminated talc can cause is still widely unknown. Current research indicates that you should never use talcum powder on the genitals or when caring for babies. However, the best way to prevent cancer from talc is to avoid using talc-based products entirely.
Possible Compensation for the Harm Caused by Talcum Powder
If you have developed cancer after using a talcum powder product, you may be entitled to significant compensation. This compensation can be used to cover various expenses, depending on the physical, emotional, and financial impact this product has had on your life.
Some of the most common types of compensation from a talcum powder settlement include payment for:
- Hospitalization and surgery
- Chemotherapy and radiation treatment
- Rehabilitation services
- In-home medical services and hospice care
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Lost wages or an inability to work
In the worst cases, cancer from talcum powder may result in the death of a loved one. If you have experienced this devastating loss, you should talk to your lawyer about filing a wrongful death claim. This settlement typically offers greater compensation than a personal injury case and may help you cover expenses such as end-of-life care, funeral services, and lost future income.
You must hire a lawyer to manage your talcum powder claim to understand your right to compensation fully. Your attorney will help you determine the total cost of your case based on the severity of the injuries you have suffered. They will also ensure that you never settle for less than you deserve.