Talcum Powder Inhalation Could Be Its Deadliest Risk

Mothers, babies, and talcum powder manufacturing workers could have developed mesothelioma or another lung disease from inhaling talc

Thursday, April 13, 2023 - Much has been written over the last few years about talcum powder cancer the dangers of using cosmetic products, mostly baby powder. It has been said that using Johnson's Baby Powder or another brand of talcum powder for feminine hygiene may cause ovarian cancer or other cancers of the female reproductive system. It is also believed that a baby's adult respiratory health may be at risk from years of daily talcum powder exposure during diaper changes. It is noteworthy that those who are employed to manufacture commercial baby powder, or industrial products that contain talc also could face an inhalation risk. There is the risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung cancer from continuous, daily talc inhalation. Talc is now considered carcinogenic as the US FDA has tested talc and found it contains asbestos, a deadly carcinogen and the signature cause of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is the gradual scarring of the delicate outer lining of the lungs called the alveoli. The alveoli must remain supple and elastic to facilitate inhaling and exhaling. Victims of mesothelioma die from the excruciating torture of gradually suffocating to death.

Johnson & Johnson has known since the beginning of their time selling talcum powder that talc posed an inhalation risk but chose to downplay the problem with an innocuous warning. They told customers to avoid inhaling it and to shake it into their hands, away from a baby's face. Shaking the product into one's hand does little to stop the fine powder from becoming airborne and inhaled. The warning fails to mention that inhaling talc puts the user at risk of getting lung cancer and mesothelioma. A recent study evaluated the association between inhaled talc with and without the presence of asbestos and lung cancer. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), "This study provides evidence that non-asbestiform talc might still increase the risk of lung cancer." The study also suggested more research is necessary. Time.com writes "There is stronger evidence that the use of talc tainted by asbestos--another mineral that is often found near talc in the earth--is linked to cancers including mesothelioma, which affects tissues that lines internal organs. Since asbestos exposure is linked to lung cancer, inhaling asbestos-contaminated talc may also increase the risk of that disease." Time quotes Dr. Stanley Spinner who claims, "Over time, inhaling talc--even the kind free of asbestos--can also contribute to respiratory issues including coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing." Brenda Fuller's talcum powder lawsuit serves as an illustration of a talcum powder lawsuit; in 2019, a jury granted her $2.1 million in damages after concluding that Johnson & Johnson's talc-based products were to blame for Brenda Fuller's mesothelioma. Fuller claimed that after more than 40 years of use of Johnson & Johnson's Shower to Shower and Baby Powder products, the talc in those products had become contaminated with asbestos, a proven carcinogen. According to the lawsuit, Johnson & Johnson was aware that its talc-based products might contain asbestos but chose not to alert customers to the risk. Johnson & Johnson has refuted these allegations, but it is still being sued by hundreds of women who believe that using its talc-based products gave them ovarian cancer or mesothelioma.

Information provided by TalcumPowderCancerLawsuit.com, a website devoted to providing news about talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits, as well as medical research and findings.