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Johnson & Johnson Knew for Decades Talc Contained Asbestos

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Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder, a talcum powder product used by generations of parents and children, often contained asbestos, reports Reuters.  The same mines where talc is found are often contaminated with deposits of naturally occurring asbestos.   

A Reuters review of internal company documents, show that from at least 1971, Johnson & Johnson’s raw talc and finished powers sometimes tested positive for asbestos content.  The company’s lawyers & executives, however, were concerned about how to deal with the problem without disclosing the problem to the public.  

As the EPA considered regulating the use of asbestos in cosmetic products in the mid-1970s, Johnson & Johnson successfully avoided increased regulatory scrutiny by assuring the agency that no asbestos was detected in any sample of talc. This belied the reality that at least three internal tests in three years had found asbestos in its talc.  

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, is a deadly carcinogen.  Decades of scientific research establish that inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause an array of human injuries including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma – an incurable and fatal cancer.  The latency period, or time from exposure to diagnosis of an asbestos disease, can take decades: 30 or even 40 years is common.  

The Johnson & Johnson documents have recently come to light after years of legal claims brought by victims who alleged their injuries were caused by exposure to Baby Powder.  While most of these claims were brought by women with ovarian cancer,  more recent trials have involved mesothelioma victims – a signature disease caused only by asbestos.  

Johnson & Johnson states it will appeal the recent verdicts and maintains that its talc is safe, as shown by what the company views as the best available studies.  

Talc which studies showed sometimes contained small amounts of asbestos came from mines in Italy and Vermont.  Since 2003, talc in Baby Powder sold in the United States has been sourced from China.  

Talcum Powder a Carcinogen?

New Test for Cancer Diagnoses Shows Promise

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Currently, tests to determine if there are cancer cells in a person take at least a week before getting results, but a new test for cancer diagnoses shows promise with results seen in ten minutes.

What is this test?

This test is based on a discovery by researchers at the University of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN). What they discovered is a one-of-a-kind DNA signature that seems to be common to all types of cancer. They found this unique DNA in intense clusters of methyl groups in certain locations.

One of the researchers at AIBN, Professor Matt Trau, explained, “Virtually every piece of cancerous DNA we examined had this highly predictable pattern. It seems to be a general feature for all cancer. It’s a startling discovery.” This discovery was followed by another showing that when these methyl clusters are inserted into a solution, the cancer DNA pieces fold into 3-dimensional nanostructures and, at that point, can stick to gold.

Once researchers found this, they created a test using gold nanoparticles that change color if 3D nanostructures of cancer DNA are present. “This happens in one drop of fluid. You can detect it by eye, it’s as simple as that,” revealed Professor Trau. This is basically the same technology as using strip indicators to test for pregnancy.

Cancer diagnoses benefits found so far:

• Works on all types of cancers tested to date
• Simple – no complicated and expensive lab equipment needed
• Fast – results in 10 minutes
• Portable – eventually could test via mobile phone
• Accuracy – as high as 90% in some cancers

Is there a downside?

This test is new. It is not perfect. Will it give too many false positive diagnoses? Does it truly identify all types of cancer – or were researchers just fortunate in which ones were tested? Only time will tell, but the future appears to be very promising.

What is the future?

This technology was tested on 200 samples using cells from various types of cancers as well as healthy cells, but a great deal more testing is needed before this is generally accepted and available.

The simplicity and affordability of this test could mean life or death for many. Researchers tested their discovery on multiple types of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma – all with good results. Hopefully it will soon be tested on asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma as a quick diagnosis could accelerate treatment.

Dr. Abu Sina, an AIBN researcher, said, ”It works for tissue derived genomic DNA and blood derived circulating free DNA. This new discovery could be a game-changer in the field of point of care cancer diagnostics.” That is the hope for all and a research worth watching.

Asbestos Contamination in NOLA Schools Strikes Again

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Asbestos contamination in NOLA schools was revealed in at least the third incident this year. According to “The Lens” and “Louisiana Weekly”, this most recent find was at the Rosenwald school, set to open as Rosenwald Collegiate Academy in August of this year for high school students.

Though no students were present when the asbestos was detected, Senior Environmental Scientist Dwight Bradshaw told “The Lens”, “If you’re following the regulations you should not have had this contamination throughout the building. It shouldn’t have happened.” The asbestos contamination was found as contractors began evaluating damaged floor tiles.

A series of problems with asbestos contamination in NOLA schools

In 2016 and 2017, the Lafayette Academy building in Uptown New Orleans underwent remodeling that led to the disturbance of asbestos. In 2018, the building released uncontained asbestos into the air as protocols were once again not followed.

This led to Lafayette Academy students’ reassignment to the McDonogh 35 building on Kerlerec Street for the 2018-2019 school year. Parents were wary about this change as the McDonogh 35 building was older than the Lafayette building and also contained known asbestos and was undergoing remediation throughout the summer. The school opened in August, however parents were concerned that they were not allowed a walk-through before their children began classes.

The students who were to begin classes in the Rosenwald building are attending classes in a temporary location this school year while remediation continues in the Rosenwald building.

What agency is responsible?

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) would like that answer – especially since there is a management plan for asbestos in place that any contractor working on a building should follow. The Rosenwald building was controlled by the Recovery School District (RSD). That responsibility transferred to the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) on April 1, 2018. In addition, the OPSD gave access to Collegiate Academies, the charter network planning to open Rosenwald Academy in the building this past August. Both the OPSB and RSD had workers in the building when asbestos fibers were released. The Collegiate Academies had contractors in the building to assess the floor tiles needing replacement. This is when the air quality was tested and determined to contain asbestos requiring abatement and remediation.

Clean-up at Rosenwald will cost the OPSD $1.3 million. In addition, a contract for $700,000 was approved between the OPSD and MMG, an environmental firm, to manage asbestos problems at Rosenwald.

Why spend so much on asbestos abatement?

Asbestos, left undisturbed, is not an immediate problem. However, when it is disturbed, such as in remodeling, storm damage, or wear and tear, asbestos fibers are released into the air. When inhaled, these fibers can embed into the lungs and linger for years, or decades, before creating havoc for the victim. This can show up as asbestosis, lung cancer, or the fatal malignant mesothelioma. No one should be knowingly exposed to this deadly fiber. The environment must be made safe or a new location found.

Veterans Day is a National Thank You to All Who Served

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While Veterans Day began as “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day’,” we now set aside November 11th as a time to honor our military men and women as a national thank you to all who served and are serving our country.

The history

1919

Armistice Day was proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in a message one year after the end of World War I. In it he stated, “To us in America the reflection of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.”

1924

In June, 1924, Congress requested a resolution from President Calvin Coolidge to deliver an annual proclamation for the observance of November 11th with “appropriate ceremonies.”

1938

Congress approved an Act on May 13, 1938 making each November 11th a legal holiday, “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day’.”

1945

In 1945, Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran from Birmingham, Alabama, determined all veterans, not just those who served in WWI, should be celebrated. He led a delegation to Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, who also supported the idea of a national Veterans Day. In many ways, Mr. Weeks is the “Father of Veterans Day” as we know it today.

1947

The first national celebration was held in Alabama and led by Mr. Weeks.

1954

On May 26, 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill establishing Armistice Day as a national holiday. Just a week later, Congress amended the new law by changing the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

1971

In accordance with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October. However, seven years later it was returned to November 11th, but celebrated on either Friday or Monday if it occurs on the weekend.

How can we say thank you to all who served?

Many who served, especially those on ships, were exposed to asbestos in addition to the dangers of their service. From WWII through Vietnam, veterans faced this unseen danger. Many ships continued in service long after Vietnam. In fact, of the almost 3,000 Americans diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma annually, a significant percentage of them served in the U.S. Navy.

Though the asbestos fibers were unseen, they were throughout the ships: fireproofing, steam lines, pumps, boilers, condensers, evaporators, distillers, turbines, deck material, and electrical equipment.

Since there can be 50 years between exposure and diagnosis, service men and women still suffer from diseases brought about through exposure on ships. In those same years, those at home were also exposed through building materials or other occupations.

Banning asbestos in the United States is long overdue. Let your voice be heard by contacting the EPA and letting them know you want a ban. There is no safe level of exposure. While we can’t turn back the clock for our military men and women who suffered exposure, we can say “thank you” by working to prevent exposure to their children and grandchildren. Click here to find out how you can be heard.

Studies Continue in Search of a Mesothelioma Cure

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Mesothelioma is a disease primarily caused by asbestos exposure and is usually fatal within a short period of time, however studies continue in search of a mesothelioma cure. This is not a simple task, as researchers are still not sure of the reason asbestos fibers encourage cancer in some individuals. With the long latency period between exposure and diagnosis, people will be fighting this disease for many decades to come. That means that new treatments to defeat the disease are urgently needed.

In the past, and currently, treatments often consisted of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. These have extended the lives of many patients and they still do. However, as noted by the American Cancer Society, there are new studies and treatments that carry the promise that they may do more than extend life for a few months and actually bring about a cure.

What are the latest treatments?

While there are treatments currently in use, they are often limited in their effect and generally extend life a little longer rather than cure the disease. New ideas and studies take place all the time. Some of the newest treatments still under testing are listed below.

Immunotherapy

Clinical trials are underway using a patient’s own immune cells to attack their cancer. These cells are removed from the blood, taken to the lab where they are manipulated to react to tumor cells. They are then put back into the patient’s body through a blood transfusion. The presumption is these transformed immune cells will encourage the patient’s immune system to kill the cancer cells.

One other immunotherapy in trials uses tremelimumab, a drug that encourages the immune system to attack full force as it targets specific immune cells.

Gene therapy

This innovative treatment uses modified viruses and injects them into the cancer cells. Once an infection is created, the virus introduces new selected genes into the cells, which makes the cells easier to destroy. In some tests, the gene present in the virus assists in turning on the immune system to attack the cancer cells.

Virus therapies

Still in the early stages of testing, a specially created virus is put into the pleural space of the cancer cell. In the desired outcome, the virus would directly infect and then kill the cancer cells, or indirectly, the immune system would be encouraged to kill the cancer cells.

Targeted drugs

While chemotherapy has been used for some time but with limited success, there are newer chemotherapy drugs in tests that may do much more. These drugs are targeted to a specific type of cell or protein instead of standard chemotherapy that affects the whole body. This means there are usually fewer side effects.

Photodynamic therapy

While it sounds futuristic, there are a number of clinical trials in process that study the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Veins are injected with a light-activated drug. Once in the body, it spreads into cancer cells throughout the body. After a few days, a tube with a special red light on the tip is placed into the chest, usually after a surgery. The drug is activated by the light producing a chemical change that kills the cancer cells. Because all this happens only within the cancer cells, there may be fewer side effects.

Encouraging progress

The knowledge that studies continue in search of a mesothelioma cure should be an encouragement to anyone diagnosed with the disease or who have a experienced extended exposure to asbestos. Contact your doctor or this link to view current trials and, perhaps, find a new trial that interests you. There is hope, and we need to support those who are researching for ways to combat and kill mesothelioma before it continues its deadly toll.