Mesothelioma and Cosmetic Talc: What You Need to Know

Mesothelioma and Cosmetic Talc: What You Need to Know

ByHolly Zink

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer. It is caused from asbestos exposure, a material once widely used in construction. Recently, it has been discovered that cosmetic talc, commonly found in personal hygiene products, may also contain asbestos, leading to mesothelioma in some cases. Understanding Mesothelioma Mesothelioma primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and other organs. Exposure to asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma, with even low levels of exposure posing a risk. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and weight loss. Diagnosis involves imaging tests and biopsies. Talc and Asbestos Contamination Talc is a mineral used in cosmetic powders and other products. Cosmetic talc may contain trace amounts of asbestos, which can be…

New Study: Pure Talc is Not a Cause of Pleural Mesothelioma
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New Study: Pure Talc is Not a Cause of Pleural Mesothelioma

ByAlex Strauss

New research out of Italy is further evidence that asbestos – and not other dusty minerals like talc – is almost always the cause of pleural mesothelioma. The evidence comes from a 50-year study of more than 1,700 Northern Italian talc miners and millers.  Talc and asbestos often lie close together in the ground. Some people who have worked in talc mines or even used talc products have developed malignant mesothelioma. Many of these mines and products were contaminated with asbestos. This makes it difficult to know if it was the talc or the asbestos that caused the cancer.  But the workers in the new study worked in a mine that was uncontaminated with asbestos. Analysis of their causes of death…

Asbestos-Containing Cosmetics Removed From Retail Websites
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Asbestos-Containing Cosmetics Removed From Retail Websites

ByAlex Strauss

Amazon and Ebay are the latest retailers to remove a list of asbestos-containing cosmetics from their sites after warnings from the Environmental Working Group. Asbestos can cause lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma, and other serious health issues. The EWG says tests by Scientific Analytical Institute found asbestos-tainted talc in three of 21 cosmetic products. The asbestos–containing cosmetics include two eye shadow collections and one toy makeup kit for children.  The scientific journal Environmental Health Insights recently published the EWG’s report. It is the latest in a growing body of research on the prevalence of asbestos contamination in personal care products.  Asbestos Contamination in Talc Most asbestos-containing cosmetics are made with talc. Talc is a soft, powdery mineral. Its moisture-absorbing properties make…

Cosmetic Talc Can Cause Mesothelioma, Study Finds
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Cosmetic Talc Can Cause Mesothelioma, Study Finds

ByAlex Strauss

A new study in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine appears to offer definitive evidence that repeated exposure to cosmetic talc can cause mesothelioma.  It is an issue that has come up repeatedly in courtrooms in recent years. Lawyers for mesothelioma patients who have used cosmetic talc say the products are unsafe. Manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson insist they are pure.  But the new study shows that may not be the case. If the product is contaminated with asbestos, as many appear to be, the study shows cosmetic talc can cause mesothelioma.  How Can Cosmetic Talc Cause Mesothelioma? Talcum powder is made from talc, which contains magnesium and silicon. Because it absorbs moisture, people use it to keep skin dry…

Mesothelioma and Tile Production Linked by New Case Studies
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Mesothelioma and Tile Production Linked by New Case Studies

ByAlex Strauss

Two newly published case studies have drawn a link between malignant mesothelioma and tile production.  The authors of the new report analyzed the cases of two people who contracted mesothelioma after working for a tile manufacturer.  Both people were exposed to talc in their work. This is likely where they encountered the asbestos that may have triggered mesothelioma. Understanding the Different Types of Tile Malignant mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Before the 1990s, many homes and businesses were built with asphalt or vinyl ‘tiles’ made with asbestos. These types of tiles are still in many older buildings. Disturbing or removing them can pose a risk for mesothelioma.  But the current report focuses on ceramic tile workers. Mesothelioma and…

Pain a Sign of Successful Pleurodesis for Mesothelioma, Study Says
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Pain a Sign of Successful Pleurodesis for Mesothelioma, Study Says

ByAlex Strauss

A temporary increase in pain may be a sign of success when undergoing pleurodesis for mesothelioma-related lung fluid. An uncomfortable build-up of lung fluid is one of the most common and life-limiting mesothelioma symptoms.  Chemical pleurodesis is one way doctors treat the problem. About three out of four patients have good luck with pleurodesis for mesothelioma. Now, a new study from the UK suggests that those who have the best results with the procedure also tend to have the most pain afterward.  What is Pleurodesis for Mesothelioma? Pleural mesothelioma is a malignancy that starts in the layers of the pleura. The pleura is a membrane that surrounds the lungs.  When tumors grow in the pleural membrane, they can trigger a…

Talcum Powder Can Cause Mesothelioma New Study Shows
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Talcum Powder Can Cause Mesothelioma New Study Shows

ByAlex Strauss

A prestigious medical journal has published the strongest evidence yet that asbestos-tainted talcum powder can cause mesothelioma.  The new article appears in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. It involved 33 mesothelioma patients. In every case, each patient’s only known exposure to asbestos was through talcum powder.  In six cases, researchers went a step further to find asbestos fibers in the tissue samples.  “Asbestos of the type found in talcum powder was found in all six cases evaluated,” reports lead researcher Jacqueline Moline, MD. Dr. Moline is a professor and researcher at Hofstra University School of Medicine in New York.  Since there was no other way for these patients to have come in contact with asbestos, Moline and her…

Environmental Group Calls for Oversight of Asbestos in Personal Care Products
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Environmental Group Calls for Oversight of Asbestos in Personal Care Products

ByAlex Strauss

Environmental experts say there’s a need for more oversight of asbestos in personal care products. Asbestos can cause malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and other serious health problems. Although the FDA says it is not allowed in personal care products, several retailers have gotten in trouble recently for traces of asbestos in personal care products. Some face lawsuits. Why is Asbestos in Personal Care Products? Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that is heat resistant, won’t burn, and doesn’t corrode. It is also plentiful and inexpensive. There was a time when dozens of household products, from Christmas decor to hairdryers –  contained asbestos. But after the government learned about the link between asbestos and mesothelioma, they passed strict rules about asbestos…