Recently, the company Colgate-Palmolive was found to be responsible for one victim’s development of mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos in a talcum powder product (“Cashmere Bouquet”). Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The disease develops in the tissue that covers the internal organs, called the mesothelium. Patients diagnosed with the disease typically have around a year to survive after discovering it, and there is a long latency period.
Who Is At Risk?
Historically, factory workers who were exposed to talcum powder on a daily basis and contracted asbestos-related illnesses were able to recover settlements for their injuries, but for consumers of products that used the powder or a product with talc in it (such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food additives), claims were traditionally more difficult because pinpointing the exact source for exposure to the asbestos was tricky. Many did not realize that certain brands of talcum powder even had asbestos fibers in them until a range of powders purchased in the 1960s and 1970s were tested for the presence of asbestos and the potential for it to be inhaled while using the product, all of which came back positive (for risk of exposure).
No Written Warnings
News sources reveal that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has known about the threat of talcum powder asbestos since the 1970s, as the product has also given rise to ovarian cancer. Yet it still has not been banned.
In this first case ever decided for a consumer of a talc product (versus a worker), jurors found that Colgate-Palmolive was negligent in the design, manufacture, and sale of the product that contained asbestos fibers, failing to even place a written warning on the product. Several other cases are now pending against the company for these same reasons.
Have You Been Exposed?
News sources indicate that one woman in 70 can be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, with studies indicating that there is an increased risk of about 25 percent if you use a product that contains the talc mineral (which is also used in paints, rubber, roofing, food additives, cosmetics, etc.). Many people have traditionally used talcum powder as part of their regular hygiene routine, and manufacturing companies have been previously warned about the potential for them to cause ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Companies that continue to manufacture these products without notifying the public of the dangers that they pose (or for proactively trying to hide the truth about the dangers) can be found guilty of negligence.
We Are Here To Help
There is no known cure for mesothelioma or ovarian cancer. The repercussions of a diagnosis are devastating and far-reaching.
We firmly believe that victims and their loved ones deserve the greatest possible compensation to cope with the effects of asbestos exposure. We can help you to accomplish this objective by building a powerful case on your behalf.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, a lawyer with Harrell & Nowak, serving New Orleans and surrounding communities, can help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how you and your loved ones can receive maximum compensation in the wake of a diagnosis.