Several studies show the use of talcum powder increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue covering most of the internal organs. The thin layer of tissue is called mesothelium.
This type of cancer most often affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs, called pleural mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly cancer, with no cure. This type of cancer is rare and is usually related to asbestos exposure. Eight out of 10 people with mesothelioma reported also having experienced asbestos exposure.
Talc is mined from the earth and contains asbestos in its natural form. When processed, talc should be free of asbestos. However, there have been several cases of asbestos contamination.
Use of talcum powder products contaminated with asbestos poses a risk of developing cancer. Some consumer and industrial products contained high levels of talc contaminated by asbestos.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural mineral found in the environment in rocks and soil. This mineral is used widely in building materials and commercial products for insulation and fire retardants.
Old and brittle asbestos minerals can release tiny amounts of fibers in the air. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, it can cause lung cancer or mesothelioma.
Due to these risks, asbestos manufacturing is regulated by the federal government.
How does asbestos cause mesothelioma?
When asbestos is inhaled, the tiny fibers enter the air passages. The body’s natural defenses remove most of the fibers, but the rest may be carried away or coughed up in a layer of mucus that covers the lungs.
Some of these fibers may bypass the defenses and lodge deep within the lungs and remain there for a long period of time.
Cancer can develop years after asbestos exposure.
Inhaling asbestos fibers increases the risk of developing lung cancer and mesothelioma. The risk depends on how much asbestos fibers were inhaled, how long ago the exposure happened, and the individual’s smoking history.
Smoking in addition to asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma cancer symptoms depend on where the cancer is located within the body.
Pleural mesothelioma surrounds the lungs. This type can have the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Painful coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on chest
- Unexplained weight loss
Peritoneal mesothelioma is located on the abdomen, and can have the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Nausea
- Unexplained weight loss
Other forms of mesothelioma:
- Pericardial mesothelioma: breathing difficulty and chest pain
- Mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis: swelling or mass on a testicle
Questions About a Talcum Powder Mesothelioma Lawsuit? Contact a Johnson//Becker Lawyer for a Free Case Review.
If you or a loved one suffered from mesothelioma as a result from contaminated talcum powder, you may want to speak with the lawyers at Johnson//Becker. We are pursuing new talcum powder lawsuits across the country, and you may be entitled to financial compensation.
We offer a Free Case Evaluation. Please contact us using the form below or by calling us at (800) 279-6386.
We would be honored to speak with you and respond promptly to every inquiry we receive.
Free Case Evaluation
To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (800) 279-6386.