King’s Men Talcum Powder Lawsuit: Get the Right Attorney

What is King’s Men Talc?

King’s Men Talc Powder is used after shaving to provide a smooth layer to the skin while drying up oil and soothing irritation. It was commonly used in barbershops until the 1970s when the product was discontinued.

Asbestos in Talcum Powder: Study

A study published in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health in October 2014 investigated the link between cosmetic talcum powder and mesothelioma in women [1].

This brand of talcum powder contained asbestos and the application of talcum powder released inhalable asbestos fibers, the researchers concluded. Through many applications of this particular brand of talcum powder, the deceased inhaled asbestos fibers, which then accumulated in her lungs and likely caused or contributed to her mesothelioma as well as other women with the same scenario.

For the study, the researchers coated grids for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) featuring concentrations of a specific talcum powder brand. This preparation process involved direct application on filters, utilizing air collections obtained from filters in a glovebox, as well as simulated bathroom exposures and analyses of human fiber burden.

Subsequently, these prepared grids underwent thorough analysis using an analytical TEM, incorporating both energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) techniques. This detailed examination aimed to ascertain the quantity and type of asbestos fibers present in the samples.

Related Article: Talcum Powder Lawsuit Update

What is Mesothelioma?

According to the American Lung Association 2021 study, Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos [2]. It most commonly occurs in the lining of the lungs or the abdomen. Mesothelioma symptoms can take 10 – 50 years to emerge after initial exposure to asbestos.

There are approximately 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma every year in the United States, ALA said. The number of cases has been declining since the early 1990s, most likely due to a reduction in workplace exposure to asbestos. Men are at greater risk, however, the annual number of deaths related to mesothelioma among women significantly increased, from 489 in 1999 to 614 in 2020 . Women dying from mesothelioma more frequently held an occupation in health care, a social assistance industry, or as a homemaker of a spouse exposed to asbestos.

Symptoms are often mistaken for less serious illnesses, which can complicate early diagnosis. When symptoms present, patients should seek medical attention, as early detection may improve mesothelioma prognosis.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) [3], signs and symptoms of mesothelioma include:

• Chest pain or abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fluid buildup
• Fatigue
• Fever and night sweats
• Weight loss

Many of the early symptoms of mesothelioma are the same as those likely to be caused by other problems, so at first people may ignore them or mistake them for common, minor ailments, ACS said. Most people with mesothelioma have symptoms for at least a few months before they are diagnosed.

California Jury Awards Mesothelioma Victim $18 Million in Old Spice Talc Lawsuit

In October 2016, a Los Angeles jury returned an $18.07 million verdict against longtime talc supplier Whittaker Clark & Daniels in a lawsuit filed by California political figure Philip Depoian, who developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure at a barber shop where his father worked and through his use of products including following Old Spice, Clubman, Kings Men and Mennen Shave Talc.

As stated by Asbestos.com, the jury verdict is the largest award on record for individual lawsuits filed over asbestos in talc [4].

The jury reached its verdict on Oct. 19 following six weeks of trial. A second phase for damages resulting from Depoian’s exposure to asbestos was set to resume before the sole remaining defendant – talc supplier Whittaker, Clark & Daniels – reached a confidential average settlement on Oct. 26.

In agreeing to the law firm’s settlement, Whittaker, Clark & Daniels avoided the prospect of additional penalties based on the jury’s finding that it had acted with malice in failing to warn consumers about the potential for a cancer diagnosis due to toxic asbestos contamination.

Depoian’s attorneys successfully argued in Los Angeles County Superior Court that their client was exposed to asbestos in talc products.

Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Studies

More than 2 dozen studies going back decades have identified links between the use of baby powder and cancer:

• 1982 – A case-controlled study published in the journal Cancer found that women who “regularly used talc-based baby powder either as a dusting powder on the perineum or on sanitary napkins” were 1.92 times (92%) more likely to develop ovary cancer.
• 1997 – A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology (PDF) found that “women with a history of perineal dusting with genital talc” were 1.6 times (60%) more likely to develop cancerous tumors.
• 2008 – Meta-study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health pooled together more than 20 studies and found a 35% increase in the risk of ovarian cancer diagnosis in women who used talc powder.

FAQs

How long does it take for mesothelioma symptoms to appear?
Mesothelioma symptoms can take 10 to 50 years to manifest after initial asbestos exposure. This long latency period often complicates diagnosis and treatment, making early detection challenging.

What companies are commonly sued in talcum powder cases?
Companies like Johnson & Johnson and other talcum powder manufacturers have faced numerous lawsuits over allegations that their products were contaminated with asbestos and caused cancer. These companies are often sued by individuals who have developed mesothelioma or ovarian cancer.

What should I do if I used King’s Men Talc and developed cancer?
If you used King’s Men Talc and developed cancer, seek legal advice immediately. A lawyer experienced in talcum powder lawsuits can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Related Articles:

• Statute of Limitations to File a Talcum Powder Lawsuit
• Talcum Powder Lawsuits Illinois
• Nivea Talcum Powder Lawsuit

See the other product liability cases our attorneys have covered.

Get a Free King’s Men Talc Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in King’s Men Talc Lawsuits.

We are handling individual King’s Men Talc lawsuits nationwide and currently investigating potential cancer cases in all 50 states.

Again, if you or a loved one was diagnosed with cancer after using King’s Men Talc or other cosmetic talc products, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free class action lawsuit evaluation.

You may be entitled to compensation for injuries by filing a King’s Men Talc lawsuit and our national law firm can help.

References:

1. https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
2. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/mesothelioma
3. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/malignant-mesothelioma/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html
4. https://www.asbestos.com/news/2021/05/06/asbestos-talc-old-spice-lawsuit/