Well-known brand Colgate-Palmolive faces allegations of asbestos contamination and exposure in a headline-grabbing mesothelioma lawsuit.
A jury in the trial sided with Colgate-Palmolive, but the case is an example of potential harm caused by the company’s talc product line.
Colgate-Palmolive is most known for its Colgate branded products, such as toothpaste and other oral health items. Palmolive offers several shower gel products. The company also produces talcum powders, which are known to potentially contain traces of dangerous asbestos fibers.
Asbestos Allegations Against Colgate-Palmolive
Vita C. was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2018. She alleges that her cancer was caused by asbestos-contaminated talcum powder found in Colgate’s product, Cashmere Bouquet.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused only by exposure to asbestos. Many people who used talcum powders similar to Cashmere Bouquet later developed mesothelioma due to asbestos hidden in the powder.
After her passing the following year, her sons continued to pursue legal action on her behalf. They maintained that the talcum powder in Cashmere Bouquet contained asbestos and was the subsequent cause of their mother’s mesothelioma.
This vintage tin can of Colgate Palmolive Cashmere Bouquet talcum powder is available on Ebay. Credit to Ebay user Collections.
Court Sides with Colgate-Palmolive but Questions Remain
After a three-week long trial, a Louisiana jury ultimately found no evidence that Colgate’s product, Cashmere Bouquet, was contaminated with asbestos. The Chenets later motioned for a new trial. They claimed that testimony from Colgate’s expert witness unfairly influenced the jury.
The court initially agreed with the Chenets, and Colgate challenged this decision. The appellate court ultimately sided with Colgate after review and the decision to grant a new trial was reversed.
Although the court sided with Colgate-Palmolive in this case, the question of whether asbestos was contaminated in their talcum powder product, Cashmere Bouquet, still remains a discussion.
Risks of Asbestos Contamination in Talc Products
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that is often ground into talcum powder for use in beauty products, such as Cashmere Bouquet, because of its ability to absorb oils in the skin.
Talc and asbestos deposits frequently appear in the same geographic locations, and during the talc mining process, asbestos can be unintentionally mined and potentially contaminate the talc extractions.
Asbestos can be harmful when inhaled or swallowed, and can lead to mesothelioma or other cancers, such as lung and ovarian cancer.
Companies such as Johnson & Johnson have faced lawsuits from consumers diagnosed with mesothelioma or other types of cancer after use of their talcum powder products.
How Mesothelioma Lawsuits Help Expose Health Risks
Mesothelioma lawsuits play a critical role in bringing attention to potentially harmful products available to consumers. Even in cases where the jury sides with the defendant, such as with this Colgate-Palmolive case, the legal process can prompt further investigation into a product’s safety and alert consumers of any potential dangers and risks. Continued investigations and consumer awareness are vital for public safety from asbestos exposure.
People should exercise caution when using talc products because of the risk of asbestos contamination. Even if a jury sides with the manufacturer, it does not guarantee the safety of their talc-based products. Staying informed about potential risks can help consumers make safer choices.
If you or a loved one has been affected by asbestos exposure through talc products, we are here to help you understand your options. Contact our patient advocate Karen Ritter at karen@mesotheliomaguide.com to learn more about how we can help.
Sources & Author
- Colgate-Palmolive Accused Of Asbestos Contamination In Mesothelioma Case. Louisiana Record. Retrieved from: https://louisianarecord.com/stories/664622034-colgate-palmolive-accused-of-asbestos-contamination-in-mesothelioma-case. Accessed: 10/20/2024.
Sources & Author
