Woman Wins $13M for Deadly Asbestos in Talcum Powder

A California woman won a $13 million lawsuit against Colgate-Palmolive after a jury determined she developed mesothelioma from asbestos in the company's Cashmere Bouquet talcum powder. Judith Winkel, 73, told the court she used the popular scented talcum powder from 1961 to 1976. It wasn't until 1973 that federals laws required commercial talcum products to be asbestos-free. Although researchers have debated the connection between talc and cancer for years, last week's verdict was the first against Colgate-Palmolive for asbestos exposure from commercial talcum powder. Talc, one of the world's softest minerals, has been mined from deposits interwoven with asbestos fibers. Asbestos causes mesothelioma, an often terminal cancer. Officials for Colgate-Palmolive, which sold the Cashmere Bouquet brand in 1995, rejected the Los Angeles jury's verdict, saying the company's talcum powder was not responsible for Winkel's cancer. "Cashmere Bouquet did not harm Mrs. Winkel. There was a clear absence of proof connecting any disease to our product," Colgate-Palmolive attorney Faith Gay argued during the case, according to FairWarning.Org. Asbestos Is Still Used in Many Products Talc still is used widely today in many products, including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It is coveted for its ability to improve textural feel and to absorb moisture. It also is used in chalk, rubber and ceramics. Manufacturers consistently report their talc is free of asbestos or at least below detection limit...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Legislation, Laws & Litigation Source Type: news