Talcum Powder Causes Mesothelioma
This product may have exposed women to asbestos. Mesothelioma typically occurs after long-term exposure.
People who worked in mines, mills, or factories have been reported to be at risk of developing mesothelioma. The cancers often occur after years of exposure.
Asbestos fibers can be airborne when talcum powder has been crushed and then used. These tiny fibers can be embedded in the linings of the lungs and stomach.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral was used in the manufacturing of a variety of products, including talcum powder. When asbestos fibres are disturbed, they become airborne and may be inhaled, or ingested. These fibres may then irritate the lining of organs in the body, referred to as mesothelium. This irritation could lead to the development of cancerous cells. Exposure to asbestos could cause pleural, peritoneal and testicular cancers.
Exposure to asbestos may affect other members of a person's family through secondary exposure. It happens when asbestos is brought into the home of workers through their clothing, their hair, or their tools. Their family members breathe in asbestos or inhale it. Family members of asbestos workers are more at risk of developing mesothelioma compared to other people. If you have a family member with mesothelioma, it is recommended that you be examined if you've been exposed.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that can occur everywhere in the body, but it is most common in the peritoneum, tunica vulginalis and lungs. When asbestos fibres are inhaled and absorbed, they can be transported through the smallest airways within the lungs, and irritate the lining of the lung known as the pleura. This irritation can lead abnormal cancer cells to multiply and cause mesothelioma to develop.
It's not clear if talcum powder alone can cause mesothelioma. However, it is known that asbestos and talc together could increase the risk of mesothelioma. There are mesothelioma is caused by exposure to that have demonstrated that there is a connection between mesothelioma and talcum, although certain of these studies don't explain the reason.
Certain studies suggest that those who use talcum powder with asbestos may be more at chance of developing lung cancer than those who use talc that does not contain asbestos. Some studies suggest that those who breathe in talc, regardless of regardless of whether asbestos is in it or not, may be at risk of developing other forms of cancer.
Patients with mesothelioma diagnoses should seek medical treatment away. There are various treatments available based on the type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed. If a patient has pleural mesothelioma, their doctor will remove the lungs of fluid by performing a procedure called a Thoracentesis. This can be done at a hospital or at home by using a tube placed in the chest.
Ovarian Cancer
Talcum powder is a crucial ingredient in a variety of products for feminine and body hygiene. It absorbs moisture and can help keep chafing at bay. However the mineral talc typically contains 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 several studies women who regularly apply talcum are three times more likely than women who do not use talcum to develop ovarian cancer.
Asbestos can easily become airborne and is a hazardous substance. Workers in mines where talc is present are at a high risk of inhaling the fibers. Some of these workers have been diagnosed with lung cancer as a result. Others have been diagnosed with mesothelioma which is a rare, devastating disease that affects the lungs and other organs.
Certain manufacturers of talcum powder have also mined the mineral near areas where asbestos is present. Asbestos is a carcinogen that can cause mesothelioma and other types of cancer such as stomach, larynx, lung and ovarian cancer. 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 that the company that makes the majority of talcum powder sold in the United States, Johnson & Johnson, was aware of the risks to women who used its products to clean their feminine hygiene. The newspaper reported on internal documents that revealed that the company was aware of the connection between the product and ovarian cancer but continued to promote and sell Baby Powder without warning women of the dangers. The company has denied the claims and claims that the talcum in its products is not asbestos and any links between it and cancer are based on flawed research. Hundreds of lawsuits have been brought against the company, claiming that their talcum powder was responsible for the development of ovarian cancer as well as other forms of cancer.
Lung Cancer
Talcum powder, or talc-based baby powder, is a medicine cabinet staple. It prevents chafing and absorbs moisture to keep skin clean and free of itching. Unfortunately it's also linked to a higher risk of cancer of the ovary.
A recent lawsuit brought against Johnson & Johnson resulted in $72 million being paid to the family of a woman whose death was linked to ovarian cancer caused by years of using J&J talcum products. However, the link between ovarian cancer and talcum powder is still a mystery, with conflicting findings in many studies.
In general, talcum powder has not been linked with other types of cancer, including lung cancer. Some research has shown that mining talc can trigger lung cancer in those who mine or mill it. However, this increased cancer risk could also be related to exposure to other carcinogenic elements and minerals, such as asbestos and radiation.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) the IARC has found that some products of talcum that contain asbestos are associated with a high risk of mesothelioma in those who use them. Researchers continue to research the safety of talcum in regards to cancer and other health issues.
While the talcum powder linked to mesothelioma can be found in people who work directly with the mineral, a few people may also develop this rare cancer through taking in asbestos particles that are released into the air as the mined product is being processed. Asbestos-inhaling people can suffer from lung ailments, such as asbestosis, which can cause severe breathing difficulties and can eventually lead to mesothelioma.
If you use talcum, or other products that contain talc, make sure to only buy products that are talcum free. This means they don't contain asbestos. Anyone who works in areas where talc is mined should ask their employer whether the company uses asbestos-free talc. They should report any symptoms of inhalation or ingestion to a doctor right away. A doctor will be able to monitor the person's symptoms and can refer the person to specialists.
Mesothelioma symptoms
While talcum isn't asbestos-free, some talc-containing products have been linked to a cancerous condition known as mesothelioma. The mesothelium is the target. The mesothelium is a thin layer of cells that line and protect organs throughout the body. Mesothelioma is most often found in the the abdominal cavity, chest cavity and pericardium, an organ that surrounds the heart.
Some people who were exposed to talcum powder have experienced serious lung issues, including lung cancer. Mesothelioma can also be found in the larynx (voice box) and ovaries.
Other symptoms of mesothelioma are chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and fever. It is recommended to consult a physician when you experience any of these symptoms. It could be triggered by pneumonia, or it may be a sign of mesothelioma in the event of an asbestos-related history.
The risk of mesothelioma is higher for those who work in mines in which talc is produced because asbestos is often found with the mineral. Many workers in this industry have been exposed to asbestos and mesothelioma and must seek medical assistance in the event of any of the symptoms listed below.
The majority of cases of talcum dust poisoning are when children inhale the dust. Parents should use talc free baby powder and ensure that other talc-containing powders are asbestos-free. People who inhale talcum powder for long periods of time may also develop mesothelioma. However, more studies are needed to determine the connection.
Some experts have objected that conclusions drawn from such studies could be incorrect. They point out that people who remember how much powder they used might remember the wrong amount.
Other studies may find a connection between talcum and ovarian carcinoma in post-menopausal women, but more research is needed to confirm this. The American Cancer Society notes that certain studies suggest a link between talcum and endometrial cancer in women of menopausal age however it is not possible to determine if these findings are due to talcum powder only or other substances.