Safe Alternatives to Talcum Powder: Reducing Your Risk

When most people think of the dangers of asbestos, they often imagine that this is only a concern when working in certain industries or if they spend time in older buildings that contain asbestos. However, many people have developed mesothelioma because of talcum powder contaminated with asbestos. If you have used any such products, it is vital to consider safe alternatives to talcum powder to reduce your risk of developing mesothelioma or other health complications.

Safe Alternatives to Talcum Powder

For many years, several companies used talcum powder in many types of consumer products, such as body powders and baby powders. Over time, the health risks of talcum powder became apparent, most notably due to the lawsuits filed against Johnson & Johnson, a company that continued selling contaminated baby powders despite a known risk of asbestos contamination.

There are more than 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States each year, and each year, there are about 2,500 deaths from mesothelioma recorded across the country. While many of these cases arise from asbestos exposure in the workplace, many are the result of using contaminated talcum powder products. There are a few safe alternatives to talcum powder everyone should know, including baking soda, cornstarch, tapioca starch, and arrowroot powder.

All of these are naturally occurring materials that do not pose the risk of asbestos contamination that talcum powder presents. If you see powder products that contain talcum powder but the packaging claims that the talcum powder has been tested for asbestos, it is important to understand that these tests are not always accurate, and trace amounts of asbestos can make their way into finished products.

It’s possible for natural talc deposits to contain trace amounts of asbestos, and once the talc has been refined into talcum powder, it can be very difficult to detect asbestos contamination, even with chemical testing. It’s generally wise to only choose safe alternatives to talcum powder rather than risk developing adverse medical complications from talcum powder contaminated with asbestos.

What to Do After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?

It can take a long time for mesothelioma to develop from asbestos exposure. However, regular exposure to asbestos can increase the speed at which the disease manifests, and many of the products that are often found to contain contaminated talcum powder are designed for daily use. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have a short time after your diagnosis in which to file a toxic exposure claim against a talcum powder product manufacturer.

It may be difficult to determine which product caused your condition, so it’s important to consult an experienced talcum powder mesothelioma lawyer at your first opportunity. The more time and flexibility your attorney has to build your case, the more likely you are to succeed with your recovery efforts and maximize the compensation you obtain.

Most talcum powder mesothelioma cases are product liability claims filed for toxic exposure. Success with the case will require proof that the company knew or should have known with reasonable diligence that their product contained contaminated talcum powder. While many manufacturers have moved away from using talcum powder in their products, some continue using this ingredient, relying on chemical testing that may not be entirely accurate.

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham can help if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and you believe the condition resulted from the use of contaminated talcum powder. Our firm has successfully resolved many of these cases, and we know the challenges you are likely to face when it comes to pursuing accountability and compensation for your damages. Reach out to our firm as quickly as possible to learn how we can assist you with your case.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Risk of Using Talcum Powder?

A: The main risk of using talcum powder is that the powder could be contaminated by asbestos. Even if the manufacturer claims that the talcum powder has been thoroughly and professionally tested, there is no guarantee that these tests are entirely accurate. It is generally safest to avoid using talcum powder products entirely and investigate safer alternatives.

Q: How Much Talcum Powder Causes Mesothelioma?

A: There is no set amount of talcum powder that would be certain to cause mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma to develop over time, and a single exposure is sufficient to cause this disease. However, it is also possible for someone to be exposed to asbestos and never develop mesothelioma. Generally, the more frequently a person is exposed to asbestos, the more likely they are to develop mesothelioma and the faster the disease develops.

Q: Can Mesothelioma Be Cured?

A: No, mesothelioma cannot be cured. This is a terminal form of cancer, and life expectancy is quite low, even for patients who receive medical treatment. More than 65% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma who undergo chemotherapy live for three or more years, but this is toward the high end of life expectancy with mesothelioma, which is usually 18 to 31 months following diagnosis.

Q: How Do You Prove Liability in a Talcum Powder Mesothelioma Case?

A: You can prove liability in a talcum powder mesothelioma case by identifying the product that caused your condition and the manufacturer responsible for selling the product. This can be difficult to deduce because of the long latency period of mesothelioma, but working with an experienced attorney can significantly improve your chance of success with the case. It’s important to consult an attorney right away as you have limited time to file this case.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Talcum Powder Mesothelioma Lawyer?

A: You should hire a talcum powder mesothelioma lawyer because your case is likely to be more challenging than it appears at first, and legal counsel you trust will be an invaluable asset during your legal proceedings. Your attorney can help you determine liability for your condition, assess the full scope of the damages you could potentially claim, and guide you through the process of claiming the compensation you need to recover.

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham have years of experience representing clients in mesothelioma cases, including those arising from the use of contaminated talcum powder products. If you are unsure how to pursue compensation for your condition and ensure accountability for the manufacturer responsible for your asbestos exposure, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team.