Blog
- $24.4M awarded in talc case involving Avon
Oct 16, 2024
Avon recently faced a significant legal decision in a talcum powder lawsuit involving asbestos contamination. The jury awarded $24.4 million to the plaintiff, who claimed exposure to asbestos at Avon’s manufacturing facility in Morton Grove, Illinois, caused serious health issues, including mesothelioma. The plaintiff worked as a janitor at the facility in the 1980s and was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2023. This verdict has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of asbestos in talcum powder...Read More - Asbestos exposure in talcum-based Johnson’s Baby Powder products
Sep 18, 2024
For many years, Johnson’s Baby Powder has been a household staple for keeping skin dry and comfortable. Recently, concerns have arisen about possible asbestos exposure in talcum-based baby powder products. Understanding these concerns is important for making informed choices. What is talcum powder? Talc is a soft mineral composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. Powder made from it has the ability to absorb moisture and reduce friction, which helps prevent rashes and skin irritation. Talc...Read More - 9/11 survivors and responders still dealing with asbestos and other health challenges
Aug 22, 2024
September 11, 2001, began as just another fall day. Everything changed after the planes crashed into the two towers, the Pentagon and the Pennsylvania countryside outside Shanksville. Of course, 2,977 innocent people died that day, but there are many survivors and first responders who now suffer due to the toxic cloud of dust that covered New Yorkers’ skin, hair and clothing as they fled lower Manhattan or rushed in to help. The dust from 100s...Read More - The impact of asbestos exposure on teachers in Pennsylvania
Aug 7, 2024
Many older schools still contain asbestos in various building materials. If these materials deteriorate, teachers could face exposure to asbestos fibers. Understanding potential risks and safety measures is crucial for maintaining a healthy teaching environment. Identifying asbestos in schools Asbestos may be in several areas of older school buildings. Common locations include ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and pipe insulation. If someone disturbs or damages it, asbestos fibers can become airborne. Teachers should be aware of...Read More - Promising mesothelioma research advances in 2024
Jul 17, 2024
The year 2024 has been particularly active in mesothelioma research, with many promising advancements reported over the first six months. From new treatment classes to innovative response monitoring techniques, the future looks hopeful for patients with this challenging disease. Let’s delve into the most notable developments, including emerging clinical trials and novel drugs that could significantly enhance patient outcomes. A new class of treatment: RSO-021 antibiotic shows anti-cancer properties One of the most exciting discoveries...Read More - EPA finalizes historic ban on chrysotile asbestos
Jul 12, 2024
On March 18, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule prohibiting the ongoing use of chrysotile asbestos, the only known form currently used or imported in the United States. Often called white asbestos, it is often used in the chloralkali industry to create chlorine and treat water. This new ban is the first rule finalized under the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), a chemical safety law that...Read More - Understanding asbestos-related lung cancer
Jul 1, 2024
Asbestos-related lung cancer is a severe health issue caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that various industries once used for its heat-resistant properties. Asbestos-related lung cancer is one of the most severe outcomes of asbestos exposure. This type of cancer develops in the lung tissue and is directly linked to the inhalation of asbestos fibers. It often takes decades for symptoms to appear, making early detection challenging. What causes...Read More - Asbestos exposure raises risk of lung, ovarian and larynx cancers
Jun 8, 2024
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used in many industries for its heat resistance and durability. Many people used it in building materials, insulation and automotive parts. However, asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems when inhaled or ingested. They can also raise the risk of developing certain cancers. The link between asbestos and lung cancer Lung cancer is the most common cancer linked to asbestos exposure. When someone inhales asbestos fibers, they can become...Read More - Plant closure improves Pittsburgh air quality
Sep 11, 2023
There are many arguments against the decline in manufacturing in western Pennsylvania and other parts of the Ohio Valley. But there are also some positive consequences arising from the closure of a large coal-processing plant in the region. In 2016, the Shenango Coke Works shuttered its doors. At that time and through the end of 2018, data analysis by NYU Grossman School of Medicine researchers tracked the impact of the facility’s shutdown on the health...Read More - IFAA backs bill that would ban asbestos
Aug 23, 2023
Asbestos was once considered a miracle substance because it is an excellent insulator and resists fire, but that was before the silicate material was linked mesothelioma and other types of cancer. Asbestos is no longer used in the construction industry, but large quantities of the substance can still be found in many older buildings. When these older buildings catch fire, the asbestos they contain poses a danger to firefighters. Job-related cancers are now the leading...Read More