South Carolina Cosmetic Talc Lawyer

South Carolina Cosmetic Talc Attorney

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that is used in a variety of cosmetic products, such as baby powder, blush, and various powders. However, asbestos is also a naturally occurring mineral, and the two are often found mixed together within the earth when mined. As a result, some cosmetic talc products may have been linked with asbestos-related health conditions, particularly mesothelioma.

If you believe that your condition may be connected to talc, reach out to a South Carolina cosmetic talc lawyer who is knowledgeable about the asbestos exposure claims process.

What Is Talc, and How Does It Connect to Asbestos?

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), talc is a natural ingredient used in many cosmetic products. This mineral is composed of hydrogen, silicon, oxygen, and magnesium. It can be used to absorb moisture, darken facial makeup, prevent makeup from caking, and improve the powdery feel of a product. However, studies going back to the 1960s have been concerned with a potential link between cosmetic talc products used in the genital area and various forms of ovarian cancer.

While more research is needed to determine a conclusive link, the possible contamination of talc with asbestos is very clear and potentially dangerous. Since both minerals tend to be found close to each other in areas where they are mined, it is not a stretch to assume that talc may get contaminated with asbestos at the source. In the early 1970s, the FDA proposed regulations that required all cosmetic talc products approved by them to contain less than 0.01% of asbestos.

Diseases That Have Been Linked to Cosmetic Talc

Multiple studies have linked asbestos-contaminated talcum powder to many different chronic illnesses, progressive diseases, and various forms of cancer. While developing these diseases is rare, and definitive research on whether talc is the definitive cause of them is still needed, the regulatory agencies responsible for signing off on safe products have acknowledged the existence of a connection.

With that in mind, here are some of the conditions that may have developed due to the use of asbestos-contaminated cosmetic talc products:

• Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a chronic form of cancer that only develops as a result of prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. Typically, those fibers are inhaled through asbestos dust, but accidentally ingesting or rubbing it into the skin for decades can cause the disease to manifest too. Mesothelioma has a very low survival rate and is difficult to catch early, as it often takes decades to fully develop inside the body.
• Lung Cancer: Breathing in asbestos fibers can greatly increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Miners who work to gather talc from the earth, as well as those who transport and process the raw material, run a much higher risk of inhaling the dust and developing chronic health conditions. It can be difficult to determine just how contaminated the talc is with asbestos until it is far too late.
• Uterine Cancer: A common use of talcum powder is for personal hygiene. Women who frequently use talcum powder as part of their hygiene regimen or had it given to them as babies may be at a higher risk of developing uterine cancer if that talc was contaminated with asbestos fibers. The asbestos fibers in the talc may travel through the vagina and into the uterus, causing the lining of the organ to become inflamed after long-term exposure.

South Carolina Cosmetic Talc FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Payout for a Talcum Powder Claim?

A: There is no telling what the average payout for a talcum powder claim might be. Every case regarding asbestos-contaminated talcum powder is different. Each case has its own specific set of circumstances connected to that individual situation. When deciding on a settlement amount, it is important to take certain factors into consideration, such as the severity of your condition, your lawyer’s negotiation skills, and the evidence that proves asbestos-related contamination.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Talcum Powder Claim?

A: Settling a talcum powder claim takes as long as it needs to take. Depending on the complexities of the case, the amount of evidence to consider, and the severity of your condition, settling a talcum powder case could take years. It is important to start developing a case as soon as you wish to file one. That way, you can avoid getting struck down by South Carolina’s statute of limitations. Each case is different, and there’s no way to determine an exact timeframe.

Q: Is Talcum Powder Safe to Use?

A: Regrettably, it may not be. The biggest issue with talcum powder is that the element is naturally occurring in the earth in the same areas as asbestos. The powders are being contaminated at the source. There’s nothing a corporation or manufacturer can really do about that. Due to this, there is virtually no way to determine which talcum powder is contaminated and which is not. You may want to avoid using talcum powder until a way to determine contamination early on is developed.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer to Pursue Compensation?

A: You are not required to hire a lawyer to pursue compensation for an asbestos-related health condition in South Carolina. There is no law that says you must hire counsel. You are perfectly able to pursue compensatory damages on your own. However, it is highly recommended that you retain the services of an experienced lawyer whenever you are pursuing legal action. After all, having someone on your side who understands the complexities of your case can only help you.

Seek Out a Cosmetic Talc Lawyer Today

Finding out that a product you thought was reliable and healthy may be the cause of your medical problems can be overwhelming and frightening. You may even be feeling betrayed. It is important that you take steps to protect yourself and hire an experienced lawyer to spearhead your case. The legal team at Wallace & Graham, P.A., understands the kind of legal assistance you need and is prepared to help you develop your case. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our team members.