The Asbestos Cancer Coverup Gets a Sequel
The recent Dynarex baby powder recall is a chilling echo of Johnson & Johnson’s legal battles over asbestos-tainted talc. Decades ago, internal documents revealed that Johnson & Johnson had been aware of potential contamination, yet failed to act decisively. Decades before that, companies selling asbestos products took steps to conceal from the public the many health problems linked to their product, including cancer. As history repeats itself, the talc-asbestos saga underscores the dangers of prioritizing profits over public safety, raising questions about corporate responsibility and long-term health risks.
The Dynarex Dynamic
Dynarex is recalling baby powder due to concerns that it may contain asbestos, a harmful mineral that can cause cancer. The recall includes 62 cases (1,488 bottles) of baby powder sold online and in 12 states. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered asbestos during routine sampling. The recalled products were distributed after March 11 through Amazon and to distributors in various states.
According to the public statement release provided by the Food and Drug Administration, the product was sold and delivered to customers in the following states:
Alabama
Arkansas
Colorado
Illinois
Kentucky
North Carolina
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Florida
Washington
Wisconsin
At face value, there seems to be good news based on the reporting from the FDA saying that “there have been no illnesses or adverse events reported to date”. However, Those who are familiar with the trajectory of asbestos exposure will know that asbestos-related illnesses hardly, if ever, occur within a one-month window of exposure.
Asbestos Contamination in Talc Products
Asbestos contamination in talc occurs when talc, a mineral often used in products like baby powder and cosmetics, is mined near asbestos deposits. Because asbestos and talc are geologically found close together, asbestos fibers can inadvertently mix with talc during extraction. This contamination poses serious health risks, as asbestos exposure is linked to diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Despite regulatory efforts to ensure safety, some talc-based products have been found to contain asbestos, raising concerns about stricter oversight and testing in consumer products.
Asbestos in Talc: Easy to Hide
Asbestos contamination in makeup is a significant concern, as it can occur when talc, a common cosmetic ingredient, is mined near asbestos deposits. Asbestos fibers can end up in talc-based products such as blush, eyeshadow, and face powders. Inhalation or prolonged exposure to asbestos-contaminated makeup can lead to serious health risks, including lung diseases, asbestosis, and cancers like mesothelioma. Despite increased regulation and awareness, some cosmetic products have tested positive for asbestos, raising calls for stricter safety measures and transparent labeling in the industry.
When (Recent) History Repeats Itself
We will get to this issue of latency shortly, but first, let’s consider how this recent news update relates to an asbestos news story many of us have become quite familiar with. One media source reminds us that this isn’t the first instance of baby powder being recalled over asbestos concerns. Johnson & Johnson faced major scrutiny after it was revealed that the company had sold its baby powder for years, despite knowing it contained asbestos. In one notable case, a California woman sued the company and won $417 million after developing ovarian cancer, which was linked to her lifelong use of the product. But there’s even more to the story than an individual court case.
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is facing legal challenges over its alleged misuse of bankruptcy laws to avoid asbestos-related talc liabilities. The company used the “Texas Two-Step” strategy, creating a subsidiary, LTL Management, to take on over 40,000 claims before filing for bankruptcy. Critics argue this tactic delays justice and reduces J&J’s financial exposure. Plaintiffs’ attorneys are seeking to lift attorney-client privilege to access J&J’s internal communications, alleging fraudulent asset transfers. J&J’s $11 billion settlement offer is under dispute, with both sides engaging in aggressive legal tactics, raising concerns about corporate accountability and mass tort cases.
Vermiculite Contamination
Even before the Johnson and Johnson coverup story came to light, the trend of asbestos history already seemed to signal the sad affair of companies covering up what they knew about product contamination. W.R. Grace & Co., a major chemical and materials company, was involved in a cover-up of asbestos contamination, particularly in Libby, Montana. The company mined asbestos-contaminated vermiculite, exposing thousands of workers and local residents to asbestos, leading to numerous asbestos-related illnesses and deaths. Despite knowing the risks, Grace concealed the health hazards, which were revealed during a 2005 federal indictment. Though acquitted, W.R. Grace faced bankruptcy and billions in cleanup and legal costs. The Libby site remains one of the worst industrial poisoning cases in U.S. history.
The Prognosis of Contamination Exposure
Earlier we mentioned that the seemingly good news of no reported adverse health effects “yet” is far from comforting. The reason for that is due to the latency period between asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases. It is typically the case that asbestos illnesses occur decades after the exposure takes place, meaning that the lack of reported illnesses attributed to the contaminated Dynarex product is entirely expected in the asbestos timeline.
Meanwhile, recent survey data highlights how the asbestos-contaminated talc industries in products like makeup and baby powder may explain why women with no known work history of exposure are seeing a tragic rise in mesothelioma– a disease almost exclusively attributed to asbestos exposure.
A national survey revealed that many U.S. women are unaware of the asbestos risks in talc-based products, such as baby powder. About 32% of respondents didn’t know products like Johnson & Johnson baby powder might contain asbestos, and 72% had never seen warning labels. As awareness grows, 44% of women have stopped buying talc-based products, with 66% losing trust in manufacturers. The survey highlights the need for corporate transparency, consumer education, and early detection through regular gynecological exams.
Beyond lost trust in manufacturers, one scholarly article in 2023 noted that there are egregious examples of conflicts of interest and the subsequent underreporting of mesothelioma data by entities including the World Health Organization which puts women and their families at risk.
With this latest asbestos coverup still in progress, it is important for those who may be at risk from the Dynarex product to seek out medical screening and maintain purchase documentation, especially in light of the latency of asbestos illnesses.