Baby powder is not only used by loving parents around the world, but also by women and men who want to prevent chafing, rashes, and irritated skin. The idea is that if it’s good enough for a baby’s bottom, why not an adult’s knees, inner thigh region, or even underarms. The fresh scent and soothing sensation have made it a favorite among many. Until they receive a cancer diagnosis from long-term asbestos exposure.
That’s right, unlike many other powders, salves, and lotions that we use on our skin daily, Baby Powder contains talc. Talc naturally exists in very close proximity to asbestos, which is a known carcinogen. So why is Baby Powder still on the shelves, and exactly how should you approach the issue of your diagnosis with the long-term use of a Johnson and Johnson favorite? You should first reach out to one of our experienced mass tort attorneys for help.
How Do Other Anti-Chafe or Soothing Powders Work?
Anti-chafe powders, aside from Johnson and Johnson’s baby powder, will commonly use cornstarch or petroleum Jelly to absorb or prevent moisture buildup. These powders may include menthol or camphor to help soothe the skin when it’s already irritated. One common example that many men use to prevent chafing is Gold Bond.
Gold Bond powder uses menthol as a soothing element but also uses zinc oxide and talc. The difference in this powder using talc versus Johnson and Johnson is the volume. Many women find that they can’t use Gold Bond because of the mental and the uncomfortable sensation it can present when used for anti-chafing. For most people, menthol among the inner thighs, were chafing is at its worst, is unpleasant.
What is Talc, and Why is it Closely Connected with Asbestos?
Talc is a naturally occurring soft rock, which also goes by the name of soapstone. Now talc naturally occurs in the United States, Brazil, China, France, India, South Korea, and countless other countries. Because it’s naturally occurring, it’s easy to assume that natural means safe. On its own, talc is safe.
Unfortunately, the conditions which lead to tell are the same conditions that lead to the naturally occurring mineral, asbestos. Although asbestos has been demonized through multiple lawsuits, it’s a naturally occurring mineral that is also a known carcinogen. It is one of many situations where natural does not mean safe. Asbestos is often present in the same regions as talc, and the fibers of asbestos are so minscule that they are almost impossible to detect.
Why Don’t Other Powders Cause Cancer?
Johnson and Johnson’s baby powder is the only anti-chafing powder on the market that is purely talc. For a long time, it was a benefit because it seemed like an all-natural solution that didn’t come with other chemicals.
So far as we know now, the use of cornstarch, petroleum Jelly, menthol, and zinc oxide have not led to the same cancer development as in all talc anti-chafing powder. However, Johnson and Johnson had had their product on the shelves for over 100 years before people started taking action against cancer development.
It is possible that in the near future, other powders that include talc to some degree may also have a connection to cancer. It is even possible that those powders that could possibly pose a risk could have the same flood of lawsuits that Johnson and Johnson experienced.
Recent Changes in Johnson and Johnson Product Lineup
Recently Johnson and Johnson have announced that they will no longer be manufacturing or distributing Baby Powder. This product has led the Johnson and Johnson baby line since 1894. And it’s likely that the recent spike in use among adults for both skincare and makeup related uses has led to Johnson and Johnson removing the product from its lineup.
Getting Legal Support When You Need it Most
When you have an unexpected cancer diagnosis comes your way, it seems as though it was a matter of fate. Unfortunately, many cancer patients find out later that it was something involved in their daily lives, such as a soothing powder for skincare. If you used Johnson and Johnson’s Baby Powder for any purpose, including makeup use or skincare, and then found out you had cancer, it’s time to call an attorney.
Because of how talc naturally occurs with asbestos, it is impossible for baby powder any kind to not contain asbestos and become a cancer risk. At this time, Johnson and Johnson have lost multiple lawsuits and closed many others through private settlements. At Rueb Stoller Daniel, you could have a fighting chance to have your case heard and possibly recover some compensation.
