Talcum Powder Causes Mesothelioma
Women who were using J&J baby powder to clean their feminine hygiene may have had an asbestos exposure through this product. Mesothelioma is usually caused by long-term asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma cases have been reported from those who milled, mined or worked with talcum powder products. Cancers can be diagnosed after years of exposure.
After talcum powder is crushed and used, asbestos fibers may be released into the air. These small fibers can embed into the linings of stomach and lungs.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral was used in the production of a variety of products, including talcum powder. Asbestos fibres can be inhaled and ingested if they are airborne. These fibres can cause irritation to the organ's linings called mesothelium. This irritation can lead to the development of cancerous cells that are abnormal. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma of the pleura, peritoneal mes and mesothelioma of the testicular region.
The second exposure to asbestos may affect family members of the same household. This happens when workers bring asbestos home on their clothing, hair or tools and their loved ones breathe or inhale asbestos. Family members of asbestos workers are more at risk for developing mesothelioma than other people. If you have a family member with mesothelioma you should be examined if you've been exposed.
Mesothelioma can occur anyplace in the body, but is most often found in the lungs, peritoneum and the tunica vaginalis. When asbestos fibres are inhaled they can move through the smallest airways within the lungs, and irritate the lining of the lung called the pleura. This irritation can lead abnormal cancer cells to develop and cause mesothelioma to develop.
It is not known whether talcum itself can cause mesothelioma on its own. However it is known that asbestos and talc can increase the risk of getting the mesothelioma. Several studies have shown that talcum powder could cause mesothelioma. However certain studies do not explain the connection.
Some of these studies suggest that those who use talcum powder that has asbestos may be more at risk 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 whether asbestos is in it or not, could be at risk of developing different types of cancer.
Patients with mesothelioma-related cancer should seek medical treatment right now. There are various treatment options available based on the stage and type of mesothelioma. For example in the case of pleural mesothelioma the doctor can treat the condition by draining the lungs of fluid using a procedure called a thoracentesis. This can be performed in the hospital or at home using the chest tube.
Ovarian Cancer
Talcum powder is an essential ingredient in many body and feminine hygiene products. It assists in absorbing moisture and helps prevent chafing. The mineral talc is usually affected by asbestos, 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 frequently use talcum powder are 30percent more likely to develop ovarian cancer than women who do not.
Asbestos is a hazard mineral that can form into fibers and easily become airborne. People who work in talc mines are at a very high risk of inhaling these fibers. Some of these workers have developed lung cancer. Others have developed mesothelioma, which is a rare and debilitating disease affecting the lungs and other organs.
Some talcum manufacturers have also mined the mineral in areas where asbestos is present. Asbestos can cause cancers, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, stomach, and larynx cancers. 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 responsible for making the most talcum powder in United States, Johnson & Johnson, was aware of the risk for women who use its products for feminine hygiene. The newspaper referenced documents that show that Johnson & Johnson was aware of the connection between Baby Powder and ovarian carcinoma however, it continued to market and sell the product without warning women. The company has denied these claims, saying the talcum powder in its products isn't contaminated with asbestos and that any connections between the product and cancer are based on bad research. Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against the company, alleging that its talcum powder caused cancer of the ovary and other forms of cancer.
Lung Cancer
Talcum powder, or baby powder made of talc is a cabinet essential. It prevents chafing, and also absorbs moisture to keep the skin hydrated and free from itch. Unfortunately, it's also associated with a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
A recent lawsuit filed against Johnson & Johnson resulted in $72 million being given to the family of a woman whose death was related to ovarian cancer, which was that was caused by years of using J&J products for talcum. The connection between talcum and ovarian cancer is a subject of debate. Numerous studies have shown mixed results.
In general the case, talcum powder hasn't been linked with other types of cancer, including lung cancer. A few studies have revealed that mining talc can trigger lung cancer among those who mine or mill it. However this increased risk of cancer could also be due to exposure to other carcinogenic elements and minerals, such as asbestos and radiation.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), some talcum products that contain asbestos are associated with a higher risk of mesothelioma among people who use them. Researchers continue to research the safety of talcum in regards to cancer and other health issues.
While the talcum powder that is linked to mesothelioma tends to be encountered in those who work directly with the mineral, some people can also develop this rare cancer through taking in asbestos particles that are released into the air when the mined product is being processed. People who inhale asbestos can be suffering from lung issues such as asbestosis which can cause severe breathing problems and could eventually lead to mesothelioma.
If you are using talcum or other products that contain talc, make sure you buy products that are talcum free. This means that they aren't contaminated with asbestos. Those who work in areas where talc is mined should inquire with their employer if the company uses asbestos-free talc. should report any symptoms of inhalation or consumption to a physician immediately. A doctor will observe the person's symptoms and can send a referral to an expert.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
While talcum powder does not contain asbestos-free, some talc-containing products have been linked to mesothelioma. an illness that affects the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a thin layer of cells that line and protect organs throughout the body. Mesothelioma is most often found in the lungs and chest cavity, abdominal cavity and the pericardium, which is a sac that surrounds the heart.
Some people who have been exposed to talcum powder have developed serious lung conditions such as lung cancer. Mesothelioma can also develop in the ovaries and larynx.
Mesothelioma symptoms include breathing difficulties and chest pain. Other symptoms include fever and fatigue. It is crucial to consult a physician if you experience any of these symptoms. The condition may be caused by an illness, like pneumonia, but it may be a sign of mesothelioma too, particularly if the patient has had a history of exposure asbestos.
Mine workers that produce talc are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma because the mineral is frequently associated with asbestos. Many of the workers in the industry have been exposed to both. They should seek medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms.
The majority of cases of talcum powder poisoning happen when babies inhale dust. Parents should choose a talc-free baby powder and make sure that any other powders containing talc they use are labelled as asbestos-free. mesothelioma is a cancer caused by what are still trying to determine whether those who breathed in talcum for a long period of time might also develop mesothelioma.
Some experts have objected that the conclusions drawn from these studies may be wrong. They point out that people who can remember the amount of powder they used could be able to recall inaccurately.
Other studies may reveal an association between talcum powder and ovarian cancer in post-menopausal women, however more research is required to confirm this. The American Cancer Society notes that certain studies suggest a link between talcum powder and the development of endometrial cancer in women who are menopausal however it is not possible to determine if the results are due to talcum powder alone or other substances.