If you have a newborn at home, you will surely recognize the sweet smell of baby powder anywhere. It’s like the aroma of your baby because you use it several times a day. From dressing up your baby to changing diapers or cleaning up after a feed, talcum powder is a part of your little one’s daily routine. It is a staple you carry around in your bag.
Did you know that the product you love and trust can cause direct harm to your infant? Unfortunately, research shows that talcum powder is linked with the risk of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. The apprehension grows as you hear about lawsuits against a renowned personal care brand like Johnson & Johnson.
In a recent announcement, the brand stated that it would discontinue selling talc-based baby powder in the US and Canada. The statement only reinforced the fears of parents who have been using the product for their babies. While you cannot do anything about the past, awareness can put you in a better place to make informed decisions in the future.
Let us uncover the facts and research regarding the unexpected risk of baby powder for infants.
Talcum Powder Risks and Side Effects
Baby powder contains toxic ingredients like asbestos, even if it looks safe and smells good. The tiny particles can enter the body to disrupt the natural processes and even damage the inner organs. Over the years, studies have established that talcum powder can cause severe risks and side effects to babies and adults.
The recent slew of lawsuits has increased public awareness regarding these threats. According to the latest talcum powder lawsuit update, Johnson & Johnson has committed $8.9 billion as a settlement for victims.
TorHoerman Law states that victims should dig deep to understand their eligibility before filing a lawsuit and seeking rightful compensation from the company. It boils down to checking the potential risks and linking your baby’s medical condition with the exposure to toxins in baby powder. These include ovarian cancer, lung cancer, endometrial cancer, and mesothelioma.
The Cancer Connection
Although ovarian cancer is a rare condition, prolonged use of talcum powder on or near the vagina can elevate the risk. The particles enter the body through the vaginal opening, get trapped in the ovaries, and damage the cells to form cancer. Studies show that women using baby powder have a 30% increased risk of ovarian cancer diagnosis compared to those who do not use it.
If you have a baby girl, consider avoiding the feminine ritual of using talcum around her genitals. Adult women should steer clear of the habit, even if it seems to promote hygiene. Women suffering from cancer due to talcum use can claim compensation from the manufacturer for failing to warn them about the potential risks of the product used as a part of their hygiene routine.
The Mesothelioma Link
Besides ovarian cancer, mesothelioma is another threat associated with the use of baby powder. These products have asbestos, which a baby (or an adult) inhales unknowingly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, repeated inhalation may harm the lungs. Over time, asbestos fibers clog the lungs and cause fluid buildup on their lining.
The worst part is that symptoms may not surface for decades, leaving you or your baby suffering from the disease in a severe form. The only solace is that you can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer for being negligent about the warning. Since baby powder labels omit warnings about asbestos, the manufacturers can be held liable for the damage.
How to Ensure Safety for Your Baby
While you can file a lawsuit against the talc manufacturer to claim compensation for the harm already done, it is crucial to ensure the safety of your newborn. The best piece of advice is to avoid the product and use safer alternatives to baby powder.
Asbestos is the main culprit, so you should check the labels and avoid any product with it in the ingredient list. Here are a few safer alternatives to talc-based baby powder:
- Arrowroot starch or tapioca starch powders
- Cornstarch powders
- Baking soda
- Oat flour
- Zinc-based diaper rash creams
The Takeaway
As a parent, you want the best for your baby, but the fragrant talcum you use daily may not be a great choice. Knowing the link of talc products with cancer, you must avoid them altogether.
If your baby has already developed a dire health issue, consider filing a lawsuit to claim compensation because your family deserves it. A lawyer can help you get the right amount to cover the cost of medical treatment and pain and suffering.
