It has been half a century since asbestos was included in the list of air pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act of 1970. Many of its applications were also banned by the Toxic Substances Control Act.
However, even if there has been a significant reduction in the use of asbestos, there are still reported cases of asbestos-related mesothelioma. Experts point to industrial talc as a possible culprit.
Products that contain talc with traces of asbestos are potentially harmful, and conditions arising from exposure to these products may be covered by personal injury claims.
If you or someone you know suffered because of exposure to products with asbestos, you can use a seasoned personal injury lawyer at your side. At Haffner Law, we represent clients that have been hurt by products like these. We fight to make sure they get the compensation they deserve.
In this article, we will delve deeper into talc products that may contain harmful asbestos and what the options are for people who were hurt or have contracted mesothelioma because of these products.
Talc and Asbestos
Although talc is not inherently dangerous, the fact that asbestos can sometimes form alongside it is enough to contaminate some products made with talc. Not all talc deposits have asbestos; that is why it’s important to understand where talc is acquired.
Talc Uses and Risks
Talc is used in many products including those with medical, cosmetic, and industrial applications according to Asbestos.com, a website created by the Mesothelioma Center.
Talc used in medical products is 99% pure talc, with very few trace elements. It is also sterilized before use. This significantly reduces the risk of being contaminated. In cosmetic products, the talc is 98% pure, which is unlikely to cause harm.
The problem lies with industrial talc. Some industrial-grade talc products can contain as little as 30% actual talc. Other minerals are present in the mixture, and sometimes this includes harmful asbestos.
Products with Potentially Asbestos-Contaminated Talc
Some industrial talc products that are often used in construction, manufacturing, and chemical refining have been found to present with asbestos. Some common examples are automotive parts like brake pads and gaskets, tiles used for ceilings and flooring, cement, and even textiles.
There are also some home and consumer products that may present asbestos including appliances, cigarette filters, fake snow, and more.
Who Are at Risk?
In many of the examples above, the production process may reduce the likelihood of contaminated talc to cause issues in the final product. However, the miners and millers who work with raw talc and the people who work in production lines that use industrial talc are at risk.
When a worker develops mesothelioma while working with asbestos-contaminated industrial talc, there is most likely negligence on the part of their employer.
This may be caused by the company’s failure to warn about exposure or a lack of awareness of the risks in the first place. Either way, it can be enough leverage for a personal injury claim.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit Because of Mesothelioma
Most lawsuits involving mesothelioma are personal injury claims, which can be complex because multiple companies are sometimes involved in one case. Working with lawyers who are experienced in such matters is recommended for those looking to file their claims.
Attorneys can help mesothelioma patients identify which companies are at fault and determine a reasonable amount as compensation. This includes recovery money for treatments, lost income, emotional damages, and more.
If you are in this situation, consult personal injury lawyers at Haffner Law. We will make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
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