Is Talc Contaminated With Cancer-Causing Asbestos?

Talcum powder manufactured by Johnson & Johnson is linked to two forms of cancer. Claims talc is contaminated with cancer-causing asbestos have resulted in another payout.

In the wake of a massive verdict this summer, Imerys Talc America, has settled a lawsuit for an undisclosed sum.

Carolyn Weirick, an almost daily user of talc, sued Imerys, a supplier for Johnson & Johnson. The lawsuit claimed the company knowingly sold talcum powder contaminated with asbestos. A settlement was reached this week hours before a jury in California started deliberations on the woman’s claim that J&J owes her millions for causing her incurable mesothelioma.

Imerys has provided the talc used by J&J in its products for many years. Legal action has placed J&J’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower talc products under renewed scrutiny.

In July 2018, a jury in Missouri ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $4.69 billion to 22 women who claimed talc caused ovarian cancer. A further 9,000 plus more lawsuits are pending. The verdict in St Louis was the sixth-largest defective products verdict in U.S. history. J&J is appealing the case.

J&J and its suppliers also face claims asbestos mixed with the talc caused mesothelioma, asbestos-linked cancer.

Weirick’s action in California blamed both companies for causing mesothelioma with talc tainted with asbestos. A settlement was reached at the end of a four-week state-court trial in Pasadena shortly before jury deliberations.

The terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Media reports suggested the payout was at least $5 million.

Earlier this year, Imerys was hit by a $117 million verdict in New Jersey over claims asbestos-laced talc caused mesothelioma. The mining company was judged to be 30 percent responsible.

What is Mesothelioma linked to Talc?

Mesothelioma is cancer that usually forms in the lining of the lungs or abdomen. It is linked to asbestos exposure. There is no known cure for this cancer.

According to Asbestos.com, in 1976, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (now renamed Personal Care Products Council) requested its members and the cosmetic industry to use only asbestos-free talc moving forward.

No federal government regulations were brought in and the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938 never required any testing or review cosmetic products or their ingredients.

The date is significant. It makes it clear mining companies like Imerys should have been aware of the dangers decades ago. Likewise Johnson & Johnson.

Meanwhile, plaintiffs are filing more cases against Imerys and Johnson & Johnson. This month, the husband of a woman who died of ovarian cancer in 2015 named both parties in a lawsuit.

Ronald Osband claims J&J and Imerys Talc America Inc. knew for decades about the links between talc and cancer but continued to sell and market talc products and sought to suppress information about the dangers. An 80-page complaint was filed in California Superior Court.

J&J is seeking to overturn the New Jersey verdict. Lawyers for the company are making their case in the same New Jersey courtroom in front of a different set of jurors.

We are concerned about the notion of talc being contaminated with cancer-causing asbestos.  Time after time, big pharma puts profits above the safety of those who use its products.

Our experienced Virginia talc lawsuit attorneys help people who have suffered from the use of this seemingly harmless product. Both ovarian cancer and mesothelioma are terrible forms of cancer that are usually a life sentence for people diagnosed with them.

If you believe your cancer was linked to talc, it’s important to act fast and talk to an injury attorney. Please call Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers at (757) 455-0077.