NEW RECALL: Dynacare Baby Powder

The Dynarex Corporation has recalled 62 cases of its Dynacare Baby Powder due to concerns of an asbestos contamination.

Individuals who purchased Dynacare Baby Powder (item number 4875) marked with Batch Number B 051 with an expiration date of 2026/12/28, should immediately stop using it and return it for a full refund.

The product was sold online through Amazon and was distributed to the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Florida, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Although the company claims that no illnesses or adverse events have been reported to date, it is important to note that asbestos-related disease, and in particular mesothelioma, do not develop for 20-50 years after exposure.

Asbestos is a dangerous carcinogen that can cause cancers like mesothelioma and lung cancer, as well as asbestosis.

How does asbestos end up in baby powder?

The baby powder product is manufactured from talc or talcum, which is mined as a rock and then crushed or ground into powder. Sometimes, the solid rock formations of the minerals that become talc are in areas that are rich with underground deposits of asbestos ore. Therefore, when those areas are mined, talc is easily contaminated by asbestos.

The contamination of Dynacare Baby Powder was discovered through a routine U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) test.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung, abdomen, heart, or testes. It affects the mesothelial lining of these organs, hence its name. Mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancer that requires immediate treatment by a specialized physician. Unfortunately, treatment options for mesothelioma are limited, and access to treatment for many patients requires extensive travel.

About Belluck & Fox

Belluck & Fox LLP is a nationally recognized law firm specializing in cases of mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancers, personal injury, and other forms of injustice. The firm represents clients across the United States and is based out of New York City, with additional offices in Albany, Gloversville, Rochester, Woodstock, Gloversville, Boston, Maine, and New Jersey. The firm has secured over $1 billion in verdicts for its clients. For more information, visit www.belluckfox.com.

Appellate Court Upholds Verdict and Damages in Asbestos Exposure Case

EPA Fully Bans Chrysotile Asbestos: A Critical Step Towards Protecting Public Health

In a significant move to safeguard public health, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a ban on chrysotile asbestos, a toxic mineral responsible for an estimated 40,000 deaths in the United States each year. This announcement comes as a crucial step in addressing the widespread presence of this cancer-causing substance.

This long-awaited ban marks the culmination of decades of effort to address the pervasive threat posed by asbestos. Despite previous attempts by the EPA to eliminate its use, including a federal ban over 30 years ago that was subsequently blocked by a court order, asbestos has remained a persistent danger in homes, schools, and various industries across the country.

“Today is a historic day for our country, bringing hope and some solace to the countless workers and families affected by asbestos,” said Joe Belluck, managing partner at Belluck & Fox. “We may not have a cure for mesothelioma, but we are thankful to the EPA for finally doing the right thing and trying to stop it in its tracks. This ban means a safer, healthier future for generations to come.”

Chrysotile asbestos, one of six types of asbestos, has long been recognized for its role in causing mesothelioma and other serious health issues. Also known as “white asbestos,” chrysotile asbestos is the only form of asbestos still used and imported in the United States today.

The positive effects of this ban extend beyond regulatory measures. Asbestos litigation continues to unfold across the country, with major corporations facing legal battles over their role in exposing consumers to asbestos-related health risks. From Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products to cases involving military veterans, the link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is well established, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and justice.

Joe Belluck’s dedication to defending innocent consumers spans decades, exemplified by his groundbreaking work in tobacco litigation. Today, Belluck & Fox stands as one of the nation’s premier mesothelioma and asbestos law firms, offering compassionate support and legal expertise to those facing the challenges of asbestos-related illnesses. With over 25 years of experience, Belluck & Fox attorneys have won over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for clients and their families.

At Belluck & Fox, we stand in solidarity with those impacted by asbestos-related illnesses and commend the EPA’s action to protect public health. While this ban represents a significant victory, our commitment to advocating for the rights of victims remains unwavering. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain vigilant in our pursuit of justice and accountability for those affected by asbestos exposure.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, reach out to Belluck & Fox for a free consultation.

EPA Finally Admits Asbestos Presents an “Unreasonable” Health Risk

In 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finally designated asbestos as a chemical targeted for risk evaluation. A recent release by the agency in June 2022 was the final scope of Part 2 of this risk evaluation, performed under the Toxic Substance Control Act, as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. Notably, the EPA concludes for the first time that asbestos – a known human carcinogen – presents an “unreasonable” health risk to workers under certain conditions. The EPA has a deadline of December 1, 2024, to complete and publish the risk evaluation.

At Belluck & Fox, we are watching the EPA’s efforts carefully to conduct this risk evaluation in good faith and to ensure that the public knows just how dangerous asbestos can be. Asbestos exposure and its associated health risks – the sole cause of mesothelioma cancer – are not topics that we take lightly. While we believe this risk evaluation is a long overdue measure by the EPA, we are encouraged to see that their evaluation intends to cover a broad range of important issues pertaining to asbestos exposure, particularly in the area of legacy uses.

Part 1 of this evaluation was published in December 2022, and the first two of three installments of Part 2 were published in January 2021 and January 2022, respectively. In Part 1 of the risk evaluation, the agency concluded that chrysotile asbestos poses an “unreasonable” risk to human health after reviewing 32 conditions of use. The dangers of asbestos are posed to consumers, bystanders, occupational non-users, and workers in both direct and indirect contact with asbestos. The scope of Part 1 was limited to chrysotile asbestos since it is “the only form of asbestos known to be imported, processed, or distributed for use in the United States, including in manufacturing, processing, distribution in commerce, occupational and consumer uses, and disposal,” according to the EPA.

Part 2 of the risk evaluation centers on legacy uses of asbestos and its disposal, as well as describing previous asbestos uses, avenues of exposure, and impacted populations of that exposure. Due to this shift in focus, the use and presence of talc and five other types of asbestos fibers were included and addressed, in addition to chrysotile asbestos mentioned in Part 1. Construction materials would be evaluated as a legacy use due to their exceptionally high prevalence and opportunities for exposure. Talc is still found in many consumer products produced and used today, either as a main ingredient or as a filler, such as in lubricants, dusting powders, paint, paper, and roofing materials.

Our mesothelioma clients are victims of not only the long-term health ramifications produced by asbestos exposure but also the companies that used asbestos and asbestos-related products in abundance in the workplace. We are hopeful that the EPA will take steps to recommend a broad ban on asbestos products. Our attorneys will not stop fighting until our exposed clients and their families receive the justice they deserve.

U.S. Finally Moves to Ban Asbestos

The EPA announced that they are proposing a rule to ban chrysotile asbestos entirely. The substance, which is well known to cause cancer, is still found in many homes, schools, and other older facilities, and was used frequently in shipbuilding, equipment, car brakes, roofing, and more.

America is one of the last countries to move to ban asbestos, which is known to cause mesothelioma at even the lowest rates of exposure. This proposed rule is the first time the EPA is exercising its authority under the Toxic Substances Control Act, which was strengthened in 2016.

Following a 60-day period for public comment, the Biden administration has signaled they plan to finalize the ban this fall.

This ban focuses on chrysotile asbestos, which is 1 of 6 kinds of asbestos, but the only commonly used in the US. The EPA continues to study the other types of asbestos for a ban, and we encourage the EPA to move quickly to ban those types of asbestos as well.

Even though the vast majority of listed consumer uses of asbestos ended some time ago, it still plagues major corporations to this day. For example, Johnson & Johnson is involved in significant court battles across the country for asbestos found in the talc used in their baby powder.

Individual lawsuits are also ongoing for mesothelioma patients and their families, who are fighting for compensation from corporations and the military for knowingly exposing them to this cancer-causing substance. Unfortunately, there is no cure for mesothelioma, and life expectancy once diagnosed is very low.

The relationship between asbestos and mesothelioma, and the responsibility of corporations for exposing consumers to related health risks, is well established.

Managing partner Joe Belluck has been fighting to defend innocent consumers for decades. Before founding Belluck & Fox, Joe represented New York State in its litigation against the tobacco industry and was responsible for forcing them to stop sponsoring fake scientific research and to take down their billboards.

Today, Belluck & Fox is one of the preeminent, top-rated mesothelioma and asbestos law firms in the nation. With over 25 years of experience, Belluck & Fox attorneys have won over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for clients and their families.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, reach out to Belluck & Fox today for a free consultation.

Asbestos Was Used as Fake Snow and Christmas Tree Decorations

A white Christmas may fill you with happy memories and warm family moments. So might the classic film The Wizard of Oz. However, before the dangers of asbestos were well known, both of these had one concerning thing in common: asbestos was used as a substitute for snow.

Fake snow has a history of dangerous substances. Before asbestos, decorators would use borax flakes or even ammonia because, like asbestos, it had a white and fluffy appearance.

While this is an interesting historical tidbit, it’s also an important warning for people even today. If you have been using Christmas decorations that have been passed down from generation to generation since the mid 20th century, there is a chance they could be contaminated with asbestos.

In addition to the Wizard of Oz, it’s recorded that asbestos was also used as fake snow in Citizen Kane, considered by many critics to be the greatest film ever produced. 

Why is this so important? Asbestos is a known carcinogen directly causing mesothelioma, a deadly cancer of the lungs. Even small traces of exposure to asbestos have been linked to cases of mesothelioma. 

In fact, while we know of the well-documented severe dangers of asbestos, it is still not completely banned in the United States. Some products that still utilize asbestos include car parts and construction materials. Traces of asbestos have even been found in cosmetic products that include talc.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Belluck & Fox can help. Reach out to our experienced attorneys today for a free consultation.

Joseph Belluck Interviewed for Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Livestream

On January 27, Joe Belluck spoke with R. Taylor Ripley in the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s Meet the Mesothelioma Experts: Legal Edition livestream. The video recording can be watched here.

News Release: Belluck & Fox LLP Begins First Asbestos Trial Since COVID-19 in St. Lawrence County

New York (September 11, 2020) — Belluck & Fox LLP, New York’s leading mesothelioma, lung cancer, and personal injury law firm will be starting the first asbestos trial since COVID-19, beginning on Monday, September 14, 2020 in St. Lawrence County, New York. This will be the first asbestos case tried in New York since coronavirus restrictions were put in place by the New York Office of Court Administration. The judge presiding over the case will be the Honorable Richard Aulisi.

Attorneys Joseph Belluck and Adam Cooper will be trying the case for plaintiff George Burns, who worked as a foreman at Reynolds Aluminum Co. in Massena, NY where he was exposed to asbestos. The client was diagnosed with lung cancer on November 14, 2017 and passed away on May 29, 2018. The case is being brought on behalf of his family.

“Lung cancer and mesothelioma are devastating diseases that have affected hundreds of North Country residents. We are thankful to the NY Office of Court Administration for allowing our clients to seek justice. The trial will be conducted in a safe manner with appropriate social distancing. On behalf of all asbestos victims and people with personal injuries, we are glad that the courts of New York are once again fully open for business,” said Belluck.

Plaintiff and counsel are both available for comment.

About Belluck & Fox LLP
Personal. Professional. Proven. Founded in 2002 by Joseph Belluck and Jordan Fox, Belluck & Fox is a nationally recognized law firm specializing in cases of mesothelioma and asbestos, personal injury, and other forms of injustice. The firm represents clients across the United States based out of New York City with additional offices around the state in Albany, Rochester, Gloversville, and Woodstock. They have secured over $1 billion in verdicts for their clients.

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Global Study Finds Asbestos to Be Leading Cause of Lung Cancer in the Workplace

A new global review of data studies published in July by Brazilian medical journal Revista Gaúcha de Enfermagem found that asbestos accounts for the largest portion – 37.5 percent – of cancer-causing substances associated with lung cancer in the workplace.

The team that produced “Lung cancer related to occupational exposure: an integrative review” processed 32 databases over a ten year period from 2009 to 2018. Researchers discovered that the most exposed workers came from the secondary sector, with 50% of jobsite-related lung cancer cases belonging to former industry workers, and 6.2% belonging to former construction workers. The study found that other occupations with significant histories of asbestos exposure in the workplace included mining, transport, and painting. 

Unfortunately, throughout their careers, many workers were unknowingly exposed to numerous carcinogenic substances, products, and materials. What’s even more disappointing is that many employers and manufacturers were aware of this fact and did little to protect their workers. It has since been proven that occupational exposures have long been seen as the primary causes of both lung cancer and mesothelioma cases.

Although asbestos is banned in many countries (the United States not included), lung cancer and mesothelioma diagnoses caused by asbestos continue to rise. “Lung cancer related to occupational exposure: an integrative review” stated that lung cancer accounts for the most common malignant tumor cases with 2.1 million diagnoses made worldwide in 2018, and a yearly increase of 2% in new diagnoses per year. 

“These findings are important because they reaffirm what we have been arguing for years on behalf of our clients and their families,” said Joe Belluck, managing partner of Belluck & Fox. “Asbestos presents a clear danger to everyone who is exposed to it. We must continue to fight for a full ban on asbestos, and we must continue to hold employers and manufacturers accountable for knowingly putting workers in harm’s way.”

Belluck & Fox has decades of experience representing clients with lung cancer and mesothelioma caused by asbestos. Our experienced attorneys maintain a database of job sites and employers known to have used asbestos and exposed employees. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or lung cancer due to asbestos, reach out today for a free consultation.

Update on Banning Asbestos in the United States

Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of most people that are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, and is linked to the deaths of approximately 40,000 Americans a year. Those deaths are caused by lung cancer, asbestosis, cancer of the larynx, and ovarian cancer.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is also a known carcinogen, and is not banned in the United States. The importing of asbestos into the United States has actually increased in recent years. Asbestos is found in houses in insulation and multiple products have asbestos in them.

The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2019 is a bill that will ban asbestos importation into the United States. The bill has been named for Alan Reinstein, the late husband of Linda Reinstein who died of malignant mesothelioma. Linda Reinstein is one of the co-founders of Asbestos Disease Awareness Foundation who has been working tirelessly for banning asbestos for many years. 

According to the ADAO website, the bill would:

• Ban importation and use of asbestos and asbestos containing products within one year of enactment. 
• Require that Chlor-alkali plants using asbestos diaphragms would need to eliminate the use of asbestos and convert to non-asbestos technology following a transition period.
• Establish a new Right-to-Know program to require anyone who has imported, processed and distributed asbestos to report and disclose to the public how much asbestos has been in U.S. commerce, where and how it has been used, and who has been exposed.
• Require the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to conduct a comprehensive study of risks presented by “legacy” asbestos used in buildings constructed decades ago but still present in millions of residences, businesses, factories, public buildings, and schools.
• Stringently control the presence of asbestos contaminants in consumer products and construction materials.
• Apply to the hazardous Libby Amphibole form of asbestos, found in attic insulation in millions of homes.

This bill was advanced out of the Committee on Energy and Commerce by a bipartisan vote on November 19th. The next step is to be voted on by the full House of Representatives. During these divisive partisan political times this is a very important step toward the goal of passing this bill into law.

As we pause this week to give thanks for our blessings it is also a time to reflect. For the mesothelioma community it is a time to be thankful for the support of tireless advocates for all their work on making banning asbestos in the United States closer to reality.  The work of a few to benefit all. Thank you for trying to make this world a safer, healthier planet.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed, please reach out to Belluck & Fox for a free consultation. With laws and information available to patients changing all the time, we can be the experts that help you find justice.