Plaintiffs in all 50 states are claiming that baby powder manufacturers knew about the presence of asbestos in products containing talcum powder, which could cause mesothelioma and ovarian cancer, but failed to warn consumers of the risk.
Both talc and asbestos are naturally-occuring minerals, often mined alongside one another. While talc is used in a number of cosmetic products, including baby powder, makeup and more, asbestos is a known carcinogen and has been linked to serious health issues.
The presence of asbestos in talc-containing products has become public only within the last few years, but has created a significant product liability issue for manufacturers. Though only a small percentage of talc products screened positive for asbestos contamination, and there is no consistent link between talc products and asbestos, the fact that any asbestos was detectable in any cosmetic talc products raises legitimate concerns.
There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos, and consumers would not reasonably expect cosmetic products, such as baby powder, to contain asbestos. In addition to neglecting to label talc products with a health warning, claims have also argued that manufacturers have not done an adequate job of screening their talc products for asbestos.
Most of the lawsuits over talcum powder allege talc cosmetic products, such as baby powder, are linked to the development of ovarian cancer due to asbestos contamination. Litigation also includes lawsuits claiming talc-cancer links to fallopian tube cancer and peritoneal cancer.
There is also ongoing talcum powder litigation that claims industrial or cosmetic talc exposure contributed to the development of mesothelioma, for which asbestos is the main cause. Plaintiffs who filed mesothelioma claims argue the inhalation of talcum powder resulted in their development of mesothelioma and lung disease.
However, a number of lawsuits also argue that, with or without asbestos contamination, talc exposure poses significant health risks and can still lead to the disease.
Manufacturers, distributors, brands and retailers of talcum powder have faced tens of thousands of lawsuits over their talc products, and recent settlements and jury verdicts have awarded billions of dollars to plaintiffs. Litigation is ongoing.