Talcum Powder Causes MesotheliomaWomen who were using J&J baby powder for feminine hygiene may have experienced asbestos exposure through this product. Mesothelioma usually occurs following long-term exposure.Mesothelioma cases have been reported by people who mined, milled or employed with talcum powder. The cancers often occur after years of exposure.When talcum powder has been crushed and used, asbestos fibers may be released into the air. These small fibers can embed into the linings of the lungs and stomach.AsbestosAsbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was used to manufacture many products, including talcum. When asbestos fibres are disturbed they become airborne and can be inhaled or ingested. These fibres can then irritate the lining of the organs of the body, which is known as mesothelium. This irritation can lead to the development of cancerous cells. Exposure to asbestos may cause peritoneal, pleural or testicular cancers.Secondary exposure to asbestos can affect other family members. It occurs when asbestos is brought to home by workers who have it on their clothing, their hair, or even their tools. Their loved ones breathe in asbestos or consume it. The risk of developing mesothelioma is higher for family members of asbestos workers. People who have a family history of mesothelioma should seek screening when they've been exposed to asbestos.Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that can develop everywhere in the body, but it is most common in the peritoneum, tunica vaginalis and lungs. Asbestos fibers can get into the tiny airways of the lungs, causing irritation to the pleura lining. This irritation could lead to the growth of abnormal cancer cells that can form mesothelioma.It's not clear whether talcum powder on its own can cause mesothelioma, but it is known that asbestos and talc can increase the risk of mesothelioma. Numerous studies have demonstrated that talcum powder may cause mesothelioma. However, some of these studies do not explain the connection.Certain of these studies suggest that those who use talcum powder with asbestos in it may be at a greater chance of developing lung cancer than those who do not use talc with asbestos. Another study suggests that people who breathe in talc regardless of whether asbestos is present in it or not, may be at risk for other types of cancer.Anyone with a mesothelioma diagnosis should seek medical treatment right immediately. There are various treatment options depending on the type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed. If a patient has pleural mesothelioma, their doctor will drain fluid from the lungs through a procedure known as a Thoracentesis. This procedure can be performed in the hospital or at home with a chest tube.Ovarian CancerTalcum powder is an essential ingredient in a variety of body and feminine hygiene products. It sucks up moisture and helps keep chafing at bay. However, the mineral talc often contains asbestos which is 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 regularly use talcum powder are 30percent more likely to develop ovarian cancer than those who do not.Asbestos is a hazard mineral that could form fibers and then easily airborne. Workers in mines where talc is found are at risk of breathing in these fibers. Some of these workers have developed lung cancer. Some of them have been diagnosed with lung cancer as a result.Some talcum powder manufacturers have also mined the mineral in areas where asbestos is present. Asbestos is a known cause of 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 that makes the most talcum powder in United States, Johnson & Johnson was aware of the dangers to women who used its products for feminine hygiene. The newspaper cited internal documents that indicated that the company was aware of the link between the product and ovarian cancer, but continued to market and sell Baby Powder without warning women of the risks. The company has denied the claims and claims that the talcum used in its products is not asbestos and that any links between it and cancer are based on flawed research. However, dozens of lawsuits have been brought against the company claiming that its talcum powder caused cancer of the ovary and other types.Lung CancerTalcum powder, also known as baby powder that is based on talc is a staple in the medicine cabinet. It helps prevent chafing and absorbing moisture to keep skin clean and free of itch. Unfortunately, it's also associated with a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.A recent lawsuit brought against Johnson & Johnson won $72 million for the family of a woman who died from ovarian cancer linked to years of using J&J's talcum powder products. But the link between the talcum powder and cancer of the ovary remains controversial, with mixed results from numerous studies.In general the past, talcum powder hasn't been linked to other types of cancer, including lung cancer. Certain studies have shown that mining talc can trigger lung cancer in those who mine it or mill it. However this increased risk of cancer could also be due to exposure to other carcinogenic elements and minerals like asbestos and radiation.According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, powders of talcum that are affected by asbestos have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma the people who use them. Although the majority of talcum powders on the market today are made from talc that is asbestos-free, researchers continue to study the dangers of talcum powders in terms of cancer and other health issues.While the talcum powder linked to mesothelioma is mostly found in people who work directly with the mineral, a few individuals can also be affected by this rare cancer by breathing in or swallowing asbestos particles that are released into the air when the mined product is being processed. Inhaling asbestos particles can cause people to suffer from lung problems like asbestosis, which leads to severe breathing difficulties and may 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 that they do not contain asbestos. Those who work in areas where talc mining is prevalent should inquire from their employer if the company uses asbestos-free talc. They should report any symptoms of inhalation or ingestion to a doctor immediately. A doctor can observe the person's symptoms, and refer them to a specialist when needed.Mesothelioma symptomsAlthough talcum powder is not asbestos-free, some talc-containing products have been linked to mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium. mesothelioma causes besides asbestos , which is a thin layer that lines and protects organs within the body, is composed of cells. Mesothelioma is most prevalent in the chest cavity, lungs abdominal cavity, pericardium (a sac around the heart).Certain people who have been exposed to talcum powder have developed serious lung issues such as lung cancer. Mesothelioma can also be found in the larynx (voice box) and ovaries.Other symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue, coughing, and a fever. It is recommended to consult a physician when you experience any of these symptoms. The condition could be triggered by a different disease, such as pneumonia, but it may also be indicative of mesothelioma, particularly when the patient has had a history of exposure asbestos.The mesothelioma risk is higher for people who work in the mines in which talc is produced since asbestos is frequently found in the mineral. Many workers in the industry have been exposed both. They should seek medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms.The majority of cases of talcum powder poisoning happen when infants breathe in the dust. Parents should use talc-free baby powder, and make sure that any other talc containing powders are asbestos-free. Researchers are still trying to determine whether people who inhaled talcum for a long period of time might also develop mesothelioma.Some experts have argued that the conclusions derived from such studies could be wrong. They have pointed out that those who remember how much powder they used may remember the wrong amount.Other studies may reveal connections between talcum and ovarian carcinoma in post-menopausal women, but more research is required to confirm this. The American Cancer Society notes that some studies suggest a link between talcum powder and the development of 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.