All Eyes Are On The Emory Valadez Johnson's Baby Powder Cancer Trial
Valadez has pericardial mesothelioma allegedly from using Johnson's Baby Powder and is not expected to live more than a few more months
Thursday, June 1, 2023 - A landmark Johnsons Baby Powder cancer trial is underway pitting a 24-year-old young man with pericardial mesothelioma against healthcare and beauty product conglomerate Johnson & Johnson. The trial is the first to be allowed to proceed since Johnson & Johnson attempted to spin off their talc liabilities into a separate entity and shelter their parent company by having the talc liability subsidiary declare bankruptcy. More than 40,000 talcum powder lawsuits have been put on hold while the federal court decides whether or not to allow the bankruptcy to stand. The current trial is proceeding based on a California law that prioritizes personal injury claims for plaintiffs with critical terminal illnesses. Plaintiff Emory Valadez is stricken with pericardial mesothelioma and is not expected to live more than several more months. Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining surrounding the heart, known as the pericardium. This condition is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, often occurring several decades after initial exposure. According to Dr. Sarah Thompson, an oncologist specializing in mesothelioma, "Pericardial mesothelioma is exceptionally rare, accounting for less than 5% of all mesothelioma cases." Dr. Michael Collins, a leading pathologist, explains that "symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and irregular heartbeat." The prognosis for pericardial mesothelioma remains poor, with Dr. Emily Adams emphasizing that "early detection and treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes." According to Asbestos.com, " Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare cancer that forms in the pericardium, or lining, of the heart. Tumors in the heart are very rare. Cardiac (heart) tumors are often caused by metastasis."
Mr. Valadez's attorneys claim that his mother's use of Johnson's Baby Powder on him as a baby, and his continued regular use growing up led to his disease. Valadez's attorneys will argue, according to CVN, that his parents purchased Johnson's Baby Powder from Target, Albertsons, Walmart, Save Mart, Lucky, and Safeway, retailers that are also included as co-defendants with J & J. The plaintiff showed pictures of himself along with bottles of Johnson's Baby powder as proof of having used the product while the defense argued that some of the retailers where the alleged purchases were alleged to have been made are more than 100 miles away, making them an unlikely source. The defense also cites a lack of physical receipts. In recent years, concerns arose regarding Johnson's Baby powder cancer as FDA tests discovered the presence of asbestos in select samples. These findings prompted widespread apprehension about the potential health risks associated with talcum powder products used by millions of Americans. Dr. Elizabeth Collins, a renowned dermatologist, expressed deep concern, stating, "Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and its presence in a product intended for infants is extremely alarming." In response to these revelations, Johnson & Johnson took the decision to discontinue the sale of Johnson's Baby Powder in North America, although the company continued to tell consumers that Johnson's Baby Powder with talc was safe, pure, and asbestos-free.