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Talc Found in Lungs of Woman with Mesothelioma

January 21, 2019 — On the 4th day of trial, a cell biologist has testified that he found particles of talcum powder in the lungs of a woman who is dying of mesothelioma, according to Law360.

The woman, Teresa E. Leavitt, stopped using Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder approximately 20 years ago, but she still had particles of talc embedded in her body. She was recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive and often-fatal type of lung cancer.

The biologist, Ronald F. Dodson, took the stand in a trial in Oakland, California. Lawyers accuse J&J of knowingly selling baby powder with asbestos-contaminated talc and failing to warn users about the potential risk of mesothelioma.

Dodson said it makes sense that Leavitt would still have baby powder in her body after using the products every day for years. After talc particles are inhaled, he said it can get “translocated” into the lymph system, where it is stored for years.

Lawyers also presented evidence that executives at J&J and multiple mining companies were aware of asbestos contamination in the mines where talcum powder was produced.

The lawsuit is In RE: Leavitt v. Johnson & JohnsonCase No. RG17882401 in the Superior Court of the state of California (Alameda County).

Do I have a Talc Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting talcum powder induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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