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Talc exhibits many characteristics that have made it a popular ingredient in many types of products. Some products contain talc and could harm users or workers who create them, including:
- Cosmetics
- Body powders
- Baby powders
- Crayons
- Ceramics
- Paint
- Insecticides
- Roofing materials
- Children’s toys
- Rubber
- Paper
- Paint
- Polished rice
- Plastics
- Insecticides
- Pharmaceutical pills
- Ceramics
- Roofing materials
- Paper
- Rubber
- Chewing gum
- Supplements
Unique Characteristics of Talc
According to what we currently know, talc is the softest mineral on earth. Due to its softness, it is very beneficial for a variety of industrial and consumer items.
Crushing the mineral into a powder form heightens the usefulness of talc, lending to various products its unique qualities of the ability to:
- Resist high temperatures
- Absorb oils
- Absorb moisture
- Absorb odor
- Work as astringent
- Lubricate
Talc Use in Baby Powder
The primary ingredient in baby powder is usually talc. This is true of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder, with the exception of bottles with the words “pure cornstarch” printed on the package.
Pediatricians urge parents to avoid using baby powder on babies due to the heightened risk of respiratory illness, lung damage, or chronic disease. Now, with the knowledge of asbestos’ connection to cancer, the hazard warning rings even more loudly.
For adults and teens who seek the benefits of applying powder as a feminine hygiene product without the risks of using baby powder, doctors recommend using cornstarch as an alternative because there is an increased risk of ovarian cancer in women who use talc.
Talc Presence in Body Powders and Hygiene Products
According to a 1976 article in The New York Times, consumers who used several body powders and hygiene products were subjected to asbestos-contaminated talc. The article reported that Mount Sinai Hospital tested 19 body powders and found that 10 of the products exhibited from two to 20% asbestos fibers.
The following personal care products contained eight to 20% asbestos:
- Coty Airspun Facial Powder
- ZBT Baby Powder with Baby Oil
- Rosemary Talc
- Cashmere Bouquet Body Talc
- Bauer & Black Baby Talc
These products contained asbestos concentrations of less than five percent:
- Mennen Shave Talc
- English Leather After Shave Talc
- Yardley Black Label Baby Powder
- Faberge Brut Talc
- Yardley Invisible Talc
How Talc is Used in Cosmetics
You can find talc listed as an ingredient in many cosmetic products. Generally used as an anti-caking agent, the common ingredient may appear as one of the following names:
- Talc
- Talcum powder
- Cosmetic talc
- Talcum
- Magnesium silicate
Types of Cosmetic Products that Contain Talc
Talc is commonly used to produce and manufacture a broad range of cosmetics as an ingredient that facilitates the absorption of moisture, prevents caking, and gives a silky feel or opaque look to the makeup, where desired.
You can typically find talc in these types of cosmetics:
- Face powder
- Mascara
- Lipstick
- Foundation
- Eyeshadow
- Blush
- Children’s makeup
Asbestos-Contaminated Talc in Cosmetics Sold to Girls at Claire’s and Justice
When cosmetic products that were being sold to young girls at the popular Justice and Claire’s stores were suspected of containing asbestos, the FDA watched intently for the results from testing by independent labs. Talc in makeup is common, but asbestos should not be.
The agency announced the results in March 2019. The tests discovered asbestos in three cosmetics products sold by Claire’s and one cosmetic product sold at Justice. The latter retailer recalled its product in 2017. The FDA requested that Claire’s also recall its products, but the retailer did not fulfill this request.
Asbestos is well known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other types of cancer. Makeup products with talc may contain asbestos that you cannot detect. The health risks associated with beauty products containing talc are being studied and reviewed by the FDA.
Additional Products that Contain Talc
Talc is also used in the manufacturing and production of:
- Rubber
- Insecticides
- Plastics
- Paper
- Ceramics
- Paint
- Roofing materials
The mineral’s unique properties continue to promote its popularity for the purposes of providing pigment, fillers, dusting, and coating. Soapstone, talc in the form of soft rock, is also used in the production of ornamental sculptures, bowls, sinks, and other objects that require easy carving, among the mineral’s other qualities.
The inhalation of talc with asbestos can be dangerous and may increase cancer risks. Always use breathing protection when working in industries where talc exposure is common.
Am I at Risk if I Used Products Containing Talc?
We all use various consumer products that contain the mineral talc daily. However, every product doesn’t necessarily carry an increased cancer risk.
Over-exposure to talc-containing products, which means using it frequently or over a span of several years, has the highest risk associated with it — so those who have been using these products must consider the fact that they may be at an elevated risk.
Talk to your doctor to learn more about talc use and increased risk factors for developing cancer.
You May Have Legal Options if Talc Exposure Results in Your Cancer Diagnosis
If you developed a health issue due to increased exposure to talc, either through frequent product use or on the job, you may be wondering about your legal rights. There are options available to those who have experienced illness due to prolonged and regular exposure.
Depending on your situation, some victims of talc-related cancers may pursue compensation from manufacturers through court cases or through settlements outside courtrooms.
Additionally, specific state laws may also provide additional protection against negligent parties responsible for marketing dangerous products containing talcum powder, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower.
Zanes Law Can Represent You in Your Talc-Related Lawsuit
Consumers who have suffered illnesses, particularly ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, after their exposure to talc powder are now filing talcum powder lawsuits against the manufacturers who knew about the risks of the substance and failed to warn the public.
If you, too, have suffered exposure to talc, Zanes Law will help you stand up to the manufacturers of these dangerous products. We can discover which products contain talc and pursue potential damages if you were exposed and developed an illness as a result. Contact us for a free case review and consultation.