Talc is a mineral clay that can be found across the globe. It's used in a wide range of industries, from paper manufacturing and pharmaceuticals to food and beauty. Talcum powder, also known as baby powder, is talc in powdered form and has been used for cosmetic purposes for decades. Recent concerns about the link between talcum powder and cancer have resulted in a number of successful lawsuits against manufacturers who sell products that contain it. A Brief History Talc is the softest mineral on Earth and has been used in a variety of cosmetics for over a century. In the early 1900s, Johnson & Johnson began marketing a baby powder made of talc, with mothers as their target demographic. It absorbs moisture well, cuts down on friction, and is very effective at preventing diaper rash. Talcum powder was also commonly used for feminine hygiene and was applied to surgical gloves and condoms. Concerns About Talc In the 1970s, researchers began sounding the alarm about the link betwe
Mesothelioma is asbestos-related cancer that forms on the protective tissues on the lungs, abdomen, and heart. Though the tumors can be benign, malignant mesothelioma can be life-threatening. This form of cancer develops when a person ingests asbestos, the cause of all cases. Once the asbestos fibers become lodged in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen, they damage the mesothelial cells and cause inflammation in the affected area. Over time, tumors will begin to form. What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma? The primary symptoms of this cancer include coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Other common symptoms include: Dry cough Respiratory complications Fever or night sweats Fatigue Abdomen pain Fluid around the lungs Muscle weakness Symptoms of this disease usually do not show until the tumors have developed and spread throughout the body. It can take anywhere from 20-50 years after asbestos exposure for mesothelioma to fully develop and reveal itself. Due to this laten