Talcum Powder Causes Mesothelioma
Women who were using J&J baby powder for feminine hygiene could have experienced asbestos exposure through this product. Mesothelioma typically occurs after long-term exposure.
Mesothelioma cases have been reported by those who mined, milled or used talcum powder. The most common form of cancer is after decades of exposure.
Asbestos fibers may become airborne when talcum powder is crushed and then used. Small fibers can be embedded into the lining of the stomach, lungs, and heart.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which was used to create many products, including talcum. Asbestos fibres can be inhaled and ingested if they are in the air. These fibres may then irritate the lining of the organs within the body, referred to as mesothelium. This causes irritation and leads to growth of cancerous cells that are abnormal. Exposure to asbestos could cause pleural, peritoneal and testicular cancers.
Exposure to asbestos can also affect other members of a family members through exposures that are secondary to. This happens when workers bring asbestos home on their clothes hair, tools or hair and their family members inhale or ingest the asbestos. Family members of asbestos workers are more at risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. If you have a family member with mesothelioma you should be examined if you've been exposed.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can develop anywhere in the body, however, it is most prevalent in the peritoneum, tunica vulginalis and the lungs. When asbestos fibres are inhaled they can move to the smallest airways of the lungs and cause irritation to the lung's lining called the pleura. This irritation can lead abnormal cancer cells to grow, resulting in mesothelioma.
It's not clear whether talcum powder causes mesothelioma, however it is known that asbestos and talc together can increase the risk for the disease. There are numerous studies that have demonstrated the connection between talcum powder and mesothelioma however, certain of these studies are not clear on the reason behind them.
Certain of these studies suggest that people who use talcum powders with asbestos may be more at risk of developing lung cancer than those who do not use talc with asbestos. Some studies suggest that people inhaling talc, regardless of whether it contains asbestos or not are at risk of developing other types of cancer.
Anyone with a mesothelioma diagnosis should seek medical treatment right immediately. There are various treatment options depending on the type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed. For example, if a person has mesothelioma of the pleural region, their doctor can treat the disease by removing the lungs of fluid using the procedure known as a Thoracentesis. This can be done in the hospital or at home by using the chest tube.
Ovarian Cancer
Talcum powder is an essential ingredient in feminine products for body and hygiene. It sucks up moisture and helps prevent chafing. The mineral talc is often and is contaminated by asbestos, which is a carcinogen. When asbestos-contaminated talcum powder is applied to the genitals, it can enter the reproductive tract and travel to the ovaries, where it can cause cancerous cells. According to a variety of studies, women who regularly use talcum are three times more likely than women who don't to develop ovarian cancer.
Asbestos is a very easy material to become airborne and is a hazardous material. People who work in the mines of talc are at a high risk of inhaling the fibers. Some of them have developed lung cancer. Others have been diagnosed with mesothelioma which is a rare and devastating disease affecting the lungs and other organs.
Certain manufacturers of talcum have mined this mineral in areas where asbestos is prevalent. Asbestos is a carcinogen which can cause mesothelioma as well as other types of cancer that include stomach, larynx, lung and cancer of the ovarian tract. Asbestos-contaminated talcum powder may be used on the genitals to avoid friction and provide relief from chafing and other symptoms of genital abnormalities.
Women who have inhaled asbestos-contaminated talcum powder at home or at work have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, as well. When asbestos-contaminated talcum powder gets into the ovaries, it can cause a type of mesothelioma known as epithelial ovarian cancer.
The New York Times reported on the fact that Johnson & Johnson, the company that makes the majority of talcum powder that is sold in the United States was aware of the dangers to women who use its products to clean their feminine hygiene. The newspaper referenced documents that show that Johnson & Johnson was aware of the link between Baby Powder and ovarian carcinoma and ovarian cancer, yet continued to market and sell it without advising women. The company has denied the claims by claiming that the talcum in its products is not asbestos and that any links between it and cancer are based upon bad science. However, dozens of lawsuits have been filed against the company alleging that its talcum powder has caused ovarian and other cancers.
Lung Cancer
Talcum powder, also known as baby powder made of talc, is a medicine cabinet essential. It prevents chafing and absorbs moisture to keep skin dry and free of itching. Unfortunately, it's associated with an increased chance of ovarian cancer.
A recent lawsuit brought against Johnson & Johnson won $72 million for the family of a woman who died due to ovarian cancer that was caused by decades of using J&J's powder products. However, the link between the talcum powder and cancer of the ovary remains controversial, with mixed findings from a variety of studies.
In general, talcum has not been linked with other types of cancer, including lung cancer. However, some studies suggest that there's a connection between mining the talc and lung cancer among people who mill or mine it however, this increased cancer risk may also be due to exposure to other minerals and elements known to cause cancer like asbestos and radon.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) IARC, certain products made of talcum that contain asbestos are associated with a high risk of mesothelioma among people who use them. Researchers continue to research the safety of talcum powder in terms of cancer risk, as well as other health issues.
Asbestos particles that are released into the air during the processing of the mined product could cause mesothelioma. Inhaling asbestos particles can cause people to be suffering from lung issues such as asbestosis which leads to severe breathing difficulties and may eventually lead to mesothelioma.
The people who use talcum powder and other similar products containing talc should be sure to select products certified as talcum-free, which means they don't contain asbestos that has been contaminated. People who work in areas where talc mining is prevalent should ask their employer whether the company uses asbestos-free talc and should report any symptoms of ingestion or inhalation to a doctor right away. A doctor will be able to monitor the person's symptoms and refer them to a specialist in the event of need.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Although talcum is not asbestos, certain talc-containing items have been associated with a cancerous condition known as mesothelioma. This affects the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a thin layer that protects and lines organs within the body, is made up of cells. Mesothelioma is most prevalent in the lungs, chest cavity abdominal cavity, the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart).
Some people who have been exposed to talcum powder have experienced serious lung issues which include lung cancer. Mesothelioma can also occur in the larynx and ovaries.
mesothelioma causes besides asbestos include breathing difficulties and chest pain. Other symptoms include fatigue, coughing and a fever. It is crucial to consult an expert regarding any of these symptoms. It could be due to pneumonia, or it may indicate mesothelioma if there is a history of asbestos exposure.
Mine workers that produce talc are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma because the mineral is frequently discovered in conjunction with asbestos. Many workers in the industry have been exposed to asbestos and talc. They should seek medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms.
Most cases of talcum powder poisoning are when babies inhale dust. Parents should use talc-free baby powder, and ensure that any other talc containing powders are asbestos-free. Anyone who has inhaled talcum powder over long periods of time could develop mesothelioma. However, further investigation is required to determine the connection.
Studies comparing cancer rates in groups of people with known talcum powder exposure and groups who have not had any exposure may reveal a link between the powder and disease, but some experts have objected to conclusions derived from this kind of research. They argue that people who are able to recall the amount of powder they used could be able to recall inaccurately.
Other studies may reveal connections between talcum and ovarian carcinoma in post-menopausal women, however more research is needed to confirm this. The American Cancer Society notes that certain studies suggest a connection between talcum and endometrial cancer in women of menopausal age, but it is difficult to determine if these findings are due to talcum powder only or other substances.