Asbestos, talc and ovarian cancer have been in the news recently, with the awarding of $417 million in damages in a lawsuit tying ovarian cancer to talcum powder. Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay the millions to an East Los Angeles medical receptionist who developed ovarian cancer after using Johnson's Baby Powder for decades. (Though a judge has since overturned the record verdict, citing an error in law and jury misconduct.)
Claire's continues to dispute study's findings of asbestos
A previous blog post discussed a recent case involving Claire's, a nationwide chain of stores whose target market is girls aged three to 18. An investigation revealed the presence of asbestos in 17 of its makeup products, however the company disputed the findings. The North Carolina Scientific Analytical Institute (NCSAI) Director of Research and Legal Services stands behind the lab's initial finding that Claire's sold asbestos-containing products.
Johnson & Johnson facing lawsuits related to talcum powder
For decades, talcum powder, often sold as the product named "baby powder," has experienced popularity as a product to dry babies' bottoms in diapers. It has also been used by countless women for feminine hygiene. Women have applied this powder inside their undergarments or directly on their genitals for generations, believing the product to be safe for such applications.
Asbestos management: federal requirements for schools
Both public and non-profit private schools in North Carolina must comply with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AEHRA), an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) law which sets forth regulations designed to protect students and staff from developing a potentially fatal asbestos-related disease. Charter schools and schools affiliated with religious institutions must also adhere to these regulations as well as any relevant state laws.
You may want to test your teen's makeup
The news broke last month that at least one national retailer - whose targeted demographic group is adolescent girls and young women - was found to be selling potentially cancer-causing makeup. This revelation came in the midst of the holiday sales crush, when consumers were flocking to malls and stores for last-minute gifts for friends and loved ones.
Can a one-time exposure to asbestos cause illness?
Asbestos is a naturally-occurring substance that was used in many U.S. products including tiles, insulation, automotive products, talcum powder and potting soil. It is now strictly regulated because of its causal link to diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Asbestos-related illnesses typically take many years to develop, therefore people exposed decades ago are just now being diagnosed and coming forward with wrongful death claims.
