Officials Expand Baby Powder Recall

In October 2024, the Dynacare Company tripled the size of a talc-asbestos recall after it discovered yet another contaminated lot of its popular baby powder, which it sells on Amazon.

The company first announced the recall following "routine sampling" by the FDA, "which revealed that the finished products contained asbestos," a known carcinogen, the company stated at that time.

"Upon further investigation, we have identified additional lots of products that may contain asbestos due to using the same bulk talc material," Dynarex stated on Monday. "The company has ceased the distribution of the product as an investigation is proceeding to determine what caused the contamination of the talc."

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, asbestos "is a mineral fiber that occurs in rock and soil" that "has been used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant" and "in a wide range of manufactured goods."

Talc and asbestos may seem to have little in common. But these two minerals are chemically and geologically similar. Since talc mines often overlap with asbestos mines, talc-asbestos cross-contamination is very common.

Johnson & Johnson talcum powder is probably the best example. The company has already set aside billions of dollars to settle the first round of liability lawsuits. Talc, one of the softest minerals on earth, is also a common ingredient in:

• Baby powder and other cosmetics,
• Chewing gum,
• Medicine,
• Crayons, and
• Chalk.

So, the chalk dust in school classrooms may be asbestos dust. A single fiber could cause an asbestos-exposure illness, such as mesothelioma. This rare and aggressive form of lung cancer is difficult to diagnose and treat.

Most doctors do not connect the dots between chalk dust or baby powder use and lung cancer that develops some fifty years later. Compounding the situation, tiny mesothelioma tumors lurk amidst the thick membranes of the mesothelium (the layer that separates the heart and lungs). Therefore, these tumors are hard to find, even if the doctor is looking for one.

Because it is so aggressive, traditional cancer treatment methods often do not affect mesothelioma tumors. Radiation is a good example. Radiation often shrinks localized tumors. But after tumors metastasize, radiation does not do much good. Some cutting-edge treatments, like gene editing therapy, are available. But these treatments often cost millions of dollars.

An asbestos-exposure lawyer obtains the financial resources these victims need to fight their illnesses. Compensation usually includes money for emotional distress and other noneconomic losses as well. This additional money makes a bleak future a little bit brighter.

According to an old saying in the law, where there is a wrong, there is a remedy. Asbestos poisoning is such a widespread problem, and polluting companies have ignored this problem for so many years that multiple remedies for cross-contamination exposure victims are available.

• Manufacturer Liability: All companies have a legal duty to warn users about all known adverse side effects. For decades, asbestos providers intentionally covered up the adverse health effects of asbestos exposure, such as mesothelioma, simply to use a cheap product.
• SSDI: Most manufacturer liability cases require an asbestos exposure lawyer to prove negligence, or a lack of care, by a preponderance of the evidence, or more likely than not. Social Security Disability Insurance applicants only have to prove they have a covered condition, such as cancer, which is disabling (they’re unable to work full time).
• Bankruptcy VCF: These victim compensation fund claims are similar to SSDI claims in many ways. If the responsible provider is bankrupt, the victim may be eligible for money in a victim compensation fund. No adverse lawyer challenges the victim’s evidence, so a little proof will do.

One of the largest tort cases in history is currently underway regarding Johnson & Johnson’s tainted baby powder. Tens of thousands of victims have filed manufacturer liability actions against the pharmaceutical giant.

The best asbestos exposure lawyer is familiar with all these options, particularly the pros and cons of each one. The best asbestos exposure lawyer is also a good negotiator and litigator. Most personal injury cases, including most asbestos poisoning cases, settle out of court.

Mesothelioma victims need and deserve significant compensation. For a confidential consultation with an experienced nationwide mesothelioma lawyer, contact the Throneberry Law Group. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we start working for you.