Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
Dynarex, a medical supply company based in New Jersey, recently recalled numerous cases of baby powder contaminated with asbestos. The baby powder had been sent to distributors in different states in the U.S., sparking fears over many people suffering asbestos exposure and eventually developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. The recall resulted from a routine U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sampling program, which revealed that the finished products were asbestos-contaminated. The FDA also identified other lots of products that contain asbestos because of the company’s use of the same bulk talc material.
The recall affects products that were distributed in Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, Colorado, North Carolina, Alabama, Illinois, Washington, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and other states. In addition to being sold in stores, the affected products were also sold online through Amazon. According to the FDA, consumers who purchased Dynacare Baby Powder by Dynarex in several batches, including B048, B049, B050, B051, and B052, should not continue using the products.
Because of the growing concerns over asbestos contamination and the tens of thousands of lawsuits that have been filed against companies because of talc-based consumer products, many large companies have stopped using talc in their products. Studies have shown that long-term use of talc for personal care can increase the risk of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. One of the most notable companies that stopped using talc in its products after facing significant legal liabilities for mesothelioma and ovarian cancer cases is Johnson & Johnson (J&J). With billions of dollars in damages awarded to claimants and countless cases yet to be filed and resolved, many companies have switched to using cornstarch as a safer alternative to talc in their consumer products. Despite this shift, Dynarex continued using talc in its products, putting consumers at risk.
Talc and asbestos are both naturally occurring minerals found in close proximity. During mining, talc can be contaminated with asbestos, leading to contaminated products during production. This is concerning since asbestos exposure has been proven to cause malignant mesothelioma and other serious health issues.
When asbestos fibers are breathed in or swallowed, they can become lodged in the lungs or their lining, causing severe health issues. While even a one-time exposure to asbestos is risky, long-term exposure carries greater risk. Using an asbestos-contaminated baby powder or another contaminated product over a long time can significantly increase the chances of developing an asbestos-related illness. Children, who are often more sensitive to harmful substances, may be at an even greater risk if exposed. It is vital for anyone who might have purchased the contaminated Dynacare Baby Powder to adhere to the FDA’s instructions and immediately stop using the products if they haven’t already.
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