Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. In powder form removes moisture well and cuts down on friction. Its use in cosmetics is to keeping skin dry and not shiny and to prevent rashes. It sometimes called baby powder or facial powders and used as an ingredient in consumer products.In its natural form, some talc contains asbestos. Asbestos it is a carcinogen and can lead to cancer in the lungs when inhaled. Asbestos should be removed from talc if used in products by the manufacturer.
Most concerns about a possible link between talcum powder and cancer have been focused on:
- People should not have long-term exposure to talc particles at work. Talc miners have a higher risk of lung cancer from breathing particles in.
- Women who apply talcum powder regularly in the genital area have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
To qualify for a lawsuit and be awarded compensation, the following criteria is typically required:
1. Johnson & Johnson brand of talcum powder product “baby powder”.
2. Diagnosis of ovarian cancer must be from 2000 to present. Biopsies are helpful in determining if the type of cancer is linked to baby powder.
3. The diagnosis of cancer must happen between ages 22 and 64 years of age.