Talc is a powdered substance that is commonly associated with baby powder and beauty products. Due to the cosmetic talc industry’s advertising, talc used to be viewed as relatively harmless.
However, an increasing number of studies have shown that inhaling talc can increase the likelihood of contracting mesothelioma; a fatal form of cancer. This is because talc deposits are contaminated with asbestos, which causes mesothelioma. What many don’t know, however, is that talc has been used in a wide variety of products outside of health and beauty.
What industrial products could contain talc?
Talc in the paper industry
Despite the digital revolution, many people still rely on paper products every day. For the majority, how that paper is made is of little concern. Nonetheless, talc is widely used in the paper mill industry. The powdered substance is often used as a filler and surface finishing material. For those involved in the paper industry, this presents a risk of contracting mesothelioma due to constant exposure.
Talc in rubber products
Rubber is utilized for tires and all sorts of household and electrical goods. Due to its very low electrical conductivity, rubber is often used in electrical cables. The idea behind this is that a worker or domestic user can handle cables with a low risk of being electrocuted. Talc helps to build this resistance to electricity, so it is frequently present in electrical cables. Again, for those involved in manufacturing these cables, constant exposure to talc could present a risk of mesothelioma.
Other industrial products that may contain talc include:
- Roofing materials
- Ceramics
- Plastics
- Insecticides
- Painting products.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, help is out there. You may be entitled to financial compensation if unnecessary exposure to dangerous products was a factor.