The reason why talc can contain asbestos has to do with how the product is mined. Talc is drilled, mined, and crushed into a fine powder. Talc is found in large deposits, predominantly in the Appalachian region. Miners must take great care to ensure that talc is not contaminated with anything else in the mining process.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs in rock and soil. It is often found in talc mines in the ground. When miners drill to find talc deposits, those deposits may be contaminated with asbestos. Some talc samples do not contain asbestos because parts of talc mines may be further from asbestos deposits. However, there is a chance that consumers who used talcum powder over a continuous period were exposed to significant amounts of asbestos.
Johnson & Johnson Lawsuits Over Asbestos Contamination
Johnson & Johnson has spent years denying that its powder was contaminated with asbestos. However, company documents that date back over five decades show that Johnson & Johnson has been aware of this.
Johnson & Johnson introduced baby powder made of crushed talc. It is well known now that this mineral occurs with asbestos in the earth, which has led to talc product contamination. Johnson & Johnson has faced multimillion-dollar lawsuits related to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma caused by its baby powder products.
Johnson & Johnson took talcum powder off the country’s market in 2020. They removed the product from worldwide markets in 2022 but now face billions of dollars in lawsuits that it unsuccessfully tried to evade two times through a maneuver in bankruptcy court.
What Should I Do if I am Diagnosed With Mesothelioma?
You probably experienced signs or symptoms that suggested something was wrong before you were diagnosed with mesothelioma. Most likely, a doctor did a physical exam to check for lumps or anything else out of the ordinary. Next, a medical professional may have ordered X-rays, CT scans, or a blood test. However, a biopsy is the only definitive way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is imperative that you follow your doctor’s instructions. The next step is to consult with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. A mesothelioma diagnosis not only means you need the appropriate medical care, but it also means you need to plan for the future of you and your loved ones.
There is no cure for mesothelioma. Working with a medical professional to tailor your specific medical treatment is crucial. Working with an asbestos lawyer to ensure you recover the compensation you and your family need and deserve is equally important.
An experienced asbestos lawyer can assist you with exploring your legal options. Your skilled attorney can help to minimize disruption to your life and fight for you to receive the maximum compensation for your case.
Our Philadelphia Asbestos Lawyers at Shein Law Can Help You After a Diagnosis
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos disease, our team can help. Call our Philadelphia asbestos lawyers at Shein Law at 877-743-4652 or complete our online form. You can schedule an initial consultation. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.