Discover how everyday talc products may have exposed people to asbestos, leading to serious health risks.

A recent national survey of U.S. women published in Globe Newswire sheds light on an alarming health crisis that has gone largely unnoticed: asbestos contamination in everyday talc-based products. Conducted by the market research firm Researchscape and commissioned by AsbestosClaims.law, results highlight a general lack of awareness, particularly among American women, regarding the potential for asbestos exposure from commonly used goods, including baby powder, maquillaje, and other everyday cosmetic products.

A general lack of awareness and understanding

While, for years, many women have trusted talc-based baby powder to prevent their children from having diaper rashes as well as foundations and skincare products with the same ingredient to offer a flawless finish, nearly one-third (32%) of the survey’s participants responded they were unaware these items could contain asbestos. This means thousands of women and children may have been carelessly exposed to a Group 1 carcinogen know to be linked to mesothelioma as well as lung, laryngeal, ovarian, and stomach cancers, among others.

More than half of the female respondents (55%) who use talc-based products daily also reported applying them to their children, generally unaware that they might be exposing their families to a serious health threat. Of these, a quarter (25%) said they were completely unaware of the risks.

Even more concerning, the findings showed that, despite years of litigation and media coverage surrounding this issue, 72% of respondents (24% of whom use talc-based products daily or weekly) reported that they had never seen any warning labels about the potential for asbestos contamination. If they had, this would have likely steered them towards safer alternatives.

72% of respondents (24% of whom use talc-based products daily or weekly) reported that they had never seen any warning labels about the potential for asbestos contamination.

More than anything, the survey draws attention to the fact that many consumers blindly trust well-known brands to offer safe products. Yet, while they should be able to, they simply can’t. Even those companies that have been selling the same products for decades are apparently willing to put the health of their customers on the line as long as it means turning profit.

The findings also demand both stricter regulations from industry watchdogs antes products hit the shelves as well as more transparency from manufacturers overall. No longer are assumptions enough – especially from the regulatory side of things.

Talc & Asbestos

Talc and asbestos are both silicate minerals that form in similar geological conditions. As a result, talc deposits are often found near asbestos, and because of their close proximity, when talc is mined, it’s easy for it to become contaminated with toxic fibers.

Because talc is commonly used in products to absorb moisture, it has been a go-to ingredient in baby powder for a number of years, and in powder form, it can be especially dangerous. Particles of powder are released into the air when used, and friable asbestos fibers, when inhaled, latch themselves to organ tissues permanently. When this happens, the fibers eventually cause inflammation, which, over time, can lead to cell changes and, eventually, life-threatening illnesses.

Therefore, while talc isn’t necessarily an issue by itself, contaminated talc can lead to a variety of health conditions. When baby powder is applied to infants to prevent diaper rash, not only are mothers potentially breathing in asbestos fibers, but their babies are as well.

J&J Litigation: A Turning Point in Consumer Trust

Litigation over Johnson & Johnson (J&J)’s talc powder has caused a spike in awareness over the past few years. Lawsuits surfaced after consumers who had fallen ill began to suspect the company’s baby powder could be to blame. One of the most well-known legal battles related J&J’s talcum products occurred in California, where a woman successfully sued the company for $417 million after developing ovarian cancer. She had used baby powder for most of her life, unaware of the potential risks.

Amid its legal woes, internal corporate documents surfaced showing that the company had known as far back as the 1970s that its product could contain trace amounts of asbestos yet failed to disclose this information to consumers or regulators. Instead, J&J made the switch to cornstarch-based products rather quietly while continuing to sell those containing talc. This knowledge incited public outrage, leading awareness to increase as well as causing a significant amount of fear in those who used J&J’s baby powder for many years.

El litigation also sparked regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to increase oversight and testing to ensure talc products meet safety standards. On a wider scale, the FDA has been engaging in more proactive testing across the board, leading to numerous recalls in 2024 alone. Some companies have even opted for voluntary recalls.

For example, on March 11th of this year, Dynarex Corporation, a major manufacturer of baby powder, recalled 62 cases (or 1,488 bottles) of its talc-based product after the FDA discovered asbestos contamination during routine sampling. The recall affected consumers in a dozen states, and while no illnesses have been reported to date, customers are being urged to stop using the affected products (sold on Amazon) and seek a full refund. The FDA is also encouraging anyone who becomes ill to report this online to be investigated further.

A Shift in Perspective with Talc and Asbestos Diseases

Con talc now officially in the spotlight, a positive shift is happening, albeit slowly. With increased awareness, many consumers are becoming less satisfied with assuming that companies are bringing safe products to market and relying on agencies to protect their health.

Many women who are now aware of how talc may impact their well-being have decided to proactively change their habits. In fact, the survey showed that 44% of respondents have stopped purchasing talc-based products altogether, while another 22% have reduced their use. Two-thirds (66%) of women also reported that they no longer trust manufacturers of talc products, with 32% stating they had “completely” lost confidence in these brands. Only 5% said they fully trusted manufacturers’ claims that their products were safe. These shifts reflect growing distrust of manufacturers, especially as more evidence of asbestos contamination in everyday items emerges.

Used extensively in manufacturing and construction during the majority of the 20th century, historically, asbestos had been seen as an occupational hazard mainly impacting men. However, as awareness has grown over the years, it’s now understood that many spouses and children of asbestos workers also experienced secondhand exposure. Furthermore, anyone who has used contaminated products at home is at risk of asbestos-related health complications.

Studies are now exploring the affects of asbestos-related conditions in women, specifically, and a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a rise in malignant mesothelioma (MM) cases among women, particularly homemakers, in recent years. Experts have contributed this trend to the use of asbestos-contaminated products (including talc-based powder) at home as well as to exposure to materials used in the construction of residential properties.

By the same token, a 2022 study found that the number of mesothelioma deaths among women increased from 489 in 1999 to 614 in 2020, with the largest number linked to the healthcare and social assistance industries. This study draws attention to the fact that women, too, can be exposed in the workplace.

The Case of Nellie Kershaw

Perhaps all too easily forgotten because it took place a century ago, the first case of respiratory illness tied to asbestos exposure was actually reported by a female factory worker in the 1920s. Nellie Kershaw, who was tasked with spinning asbestos fibers into yarn while employed with Turner Brothers Asbestos Company in Rochdale, England, developed severe respiratory issues later understood to be asbestosis. In 1924, Kershaw died, and her passing prompted one of the first investigations into the health risks of asbestos. Despite clear evidence of exposure, the company denied responsibility and refused compensation in a legal matter that ensued.

While Kershaw’s case became a landmark moment, influencing future health regulations and worker protections against exposure, many other manufacturers have also brushed the dangers of asbestos under the rug in the years that followed. It wasn’t until the mid-1980s that the dangers of exposure could no longer be denied, leading the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to roll out a partial ban and stricter regulations.

Today, asbestos is seen as a hazard to anyone who breathes in its fibers regardless of where contact takes place. 

But the failure to properly recognize asbestos exposure as a significant cause of MM in women until recently has contributed to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Inaccurate statements in medical literature and the omission of environmental asbestos exposure as a cause of MM in females have also perpetuated a dangerous misconception that women are less vulnerable to these diseases. This misrepresentation not only hinders efforts to protect women but has also led to denials for compensation and failure to offer those diagnosed with MM the support they deserve.

Corporate Accountability and Consumer Advocacy

Luckily, the Globe Newswire survey revealed that 61% of women are now “extremely” or “very concerned” about the long-term health impacts of asbestos in talc products, demonstrating that awareness is spreading. Gen X (37%) and Millennial women (36%) expressed the highest levels of concern, outpacing Boomers (27%) and Gen Z (34%). The use of talc products was found to be higher among Black women (31%) and Asian women (35%) compared to White women (20%) and Hispanic women (29%), emphasizing the need for targeted educational efforts within these communities.

Corporate accountability in talc and asbestos

One of the most striking findings from the survey was the demand for greater corporate accountability. Nearly half (46%) of respondents said they believe that manufacturers should bear more responsibility for educating consumers about the risks of asbestos in talc products, compared to only 8% who think the government should take on this role.

Younger views on the talc public health problem

However, Millennials and Gen Z respondents were found to be more likely to believe that the government should play a larger role in consumer protection. This highlights a need to increase awareness about the risks assumed when companies rely on federal watchdogs to keep them in line, particularly among younger generations. As lawsuits and health warnings related to asbestos in talc products continue to make headlines, the call for regulatory oversight is growing louder, and with increased coverage, the hope is that all age groups will proceed with caution when making purchases.

The Urgent Need for Early Detection and Testing

  • Women who’ve come into contact with talc-based baby powder and other cosmetics are encouraged to maintain regular gynecological exams in order to track any signs of ovarian or other cancers.
  • Anyone who has used these products or suspects they’ve been exposed to asbestos in other ways should undergo regular health screenings.
  • It’s also essential to be aware of early warning signs of mesothelioma, which may include nonspecific symptoms, such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss. 
  • If an individual has known asbestos exposure, these symptoms, while vague, should be reported to their medical team as soon as possible for further evaluation.

Un Somewhat Clear Path Forward

While knowledge of the dangers of talc is continuing to grow, one thing is for sure – it’s imperative that both manufacturers and regulatory agencies assume a more proactive role in ensuring product safety. Increased testing, clearer labeling, and greater corporate transparency are essential steps in addressing a public health crisis that has gone on for far too long.

Consumers, too, should be their own best advocates by staying informed, pushing for stricter regulations, and avoiding products with ingredients known to be problematic. Switching to more natural, safer alternatives can go a long way in preventing future health complications.

As the story of asbestos continues to unfold, it’s evident that the issue of contaminated products is more than just an isolated incident. This is a very real and present danger affecting millions of Americans – men, women and children alike – as well as individuals in many other areas of the world. And while it’s likely that asbestos will continue to be linked to other products and diseases as time goes by, its story can be cut short if all parties come together to ward off future exposure. Enough is enough. The time for action is now.