Confusion Abounds Regarding Talcum Powder Containing Asbestos
There is compelling evidence on both sides as to whether talcum powder causes cancer
Wednesday, July 17, 2019 - Recent news of multi-million dollar jury awards has panicked people into being concerned that Johnson's Baby Powder might be unsafe to use for fear of causing cancer. Several lawsuits alleging such have concluded that talc, the main ingredient in Johnson's Baby Powder, can in and of itself cause ovarian cancer and also that talc may contain asbestos and cause lung cancer called mesothelioma. Johnson & Johnson vigorously rejects any notion other than their talcum powder is 100% safe and cites studies conducted recently in India, Singapore, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait and Egypt where authorities have stated that Johnson's Baby Powder talc did not contain asbestos. Juries in the United States, however, have been persuaded otherwise and awarded ovarian and mesothelioma cancer sufferers hundreds of millions of dollars in compensatory plus punitive damages. Asbestos has also been found in samples of teenage cosmetic products sold by Claire's Stores tested by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Women are concerned that using Johnson's Baby Powder for feminine hygiene purposes can cause ovarian cancer. Mothers may be the most concerned group of all and question whether they should continue using baby powder to diaper their children. There are no firm conclusions as to whether or not talcum powder is a health hazard and experts on both sides make excellent arguments. Talcum powder cancer attorneys have vast experience handling baby powder cases and have won the majority of talcum powder cases.
BioSpectrum Health Services released a press release the other day entitled "Is Talc Really As Harmful as it's stated to be?" in which they cite studies that prove the safety of talc. Johnson & Johnson spokespersons are quoted as saying "This conclusion reinforces the findings of decades of independent tests by universities, research labs and government regulators around the world that have consistently found that our talc is safe. We stand behind the safety of our talc, which is routinely tested by both suppliers and independent labs to ensure that it is free of asbestos. Research, clinical evidence and nearly 40 years of studies by independent medical experts around the world continue to support the safety of talc."
Such bold statements have been challenged, however, by equally competent and independent sources. Independent global news source Reuters published a scathing article entitled "J&J knew for decades that asbestos lurked in its Baby Powder" basically accusing JNJ of covering up what they knew about finding asbestos in their talc supply for the last 50 years. In addition, the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission issued subpoenas for company documents pertaining to what the company knew and when the knew it regarding allegations of asbestos contamination in its talc supply. Finally, The U.S. Justice Department opened a criminal investigation the other day to find out if Johnson & Johnson lied when making statements like the ones quoted above pertaining to the possible presence of asbestos in their talc supply.
If you are concerned about the potential harm that talcum powder may do to your health and the health of your loved ones you may consider using cornstarch-based powders instead. Cornstarch is an organic product made from corn and there are no known health hazards. Cornstarch contains many of the properties that you have come to love in baby powder, essential in keeping babies dry and comfortable. If you ask me, there is more than enough uncertainty in the air right now to warrant making the switch.
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