A new study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine links asbestos-contaminated talcum powder with malignant mesothelioma.While other studies have shown this link, this new study is some of the most convincing evidence discovered yet that supports this talcum powder asbestos risk.

The case study involved 33 patients who had been exposed to talcum powder and were diagnosed with mesothelioma. Most of the patients were women whose only substantial asbestos exposure was through talcum powder. The authors of the study went into significant detail about six of the study participants whose tissue tests had shown the kinds of asbestos fibers consistent with what has been found in cosmetic talc, but not the type of asbestos fibers found in things like insulation or other construction materials.

The study concluded that talcum powders contaminated with asbestos can cause mesothelioma.

Malignant mesothelioma is cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue covering a person’s internal organs. According to the Mayo Clinic, Mesothelioma is a rare condition and is both aggressive and deadly.

The study’s findings could bolster the thousands of talcum powder asbestos lawsuits filed against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson and other manufacturers.

“It’s very, very hard, in general, to prove exactly what caused your specific case of disease,” said Steve Gold, who specializes in toxic and hazardous substances as a professor at Rutgers Law School. “If a credible physician and researcher is willing to testify and has published that these individual cancers appear to be caused by asbestos exposure from talcum powder, that’s evidence that is usually not available to plaintiffs. That’s very powerful.”

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos
is a type of fibrous mineral that, for a long time, was widely used for construction, automobiles, textiles, and more. In recent decades, the risks of asbestos exposure have become increasingly clear, and organizations like the World Health Organization have classified asbestos as a human carcinogen—that is, a substance capable of causing cancer in humans.

Filing a Talcum Powder Asbestos Cancer Lawsuit

In 2018, Reuters published a report that found Johnson & Johnson was aware of asbestos contamination in its talcum powder for decades, yet failed to report it.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer after exposure to talcum powder, such as baby powder, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by asbestos cancer, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.