Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine

Serous Ovarian Cancer Caused by Exposure to Asbestos and Fibrous Talc in Cosmetic Talc Powders—A Case Series

Objective: Asbestos is a known cause of ovarian cancer. We report 10 cases of serous ovarian cancer among users of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) asbestos-containing “cosmetic” talc products. Methods: We conducted an asbestos exposure assessment during talc application and analyzed surgical tissues and talc containers for asbestos and talc. Results: Talc was found in all cases and tremolite and/or anthophyllite asbestos was found in 8/10 cases. The asbestos fibers found in the “cosmetic” talc containers matched those found in tissues. We estimated inhaled asbestos dose ranged from 0.38 to 5.18 fiber years. Conclusion: We provide evidence that the inhaled dose of asbestos/fibrous talc from “cosmetic” talc use causes ovarian cancer. The unique combination of the types of asbestiform minerals detected in cancerous tissue and “cosmetic” talc is a fingerprint for exposure to asbestos-containing talc.

Impact of Uterine Fibroid Symptoms on Functional Work Impairment Among Employed Women Working in Healthcare in the United States

Objective The aim of the study was to quantify the impact of uterine fibroids (UFs) on work productivity among employed women in the US. Methods Adult women working in health care who reported either being diagnosed with or having UF symptoms completed a survey incorporating the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire specific for UFs. Results Among 67 respondents (mean age 43.2 years; 43% in executive/professional roles), 84% reported receiving a UF diagnosis from a health care provider; 16% reported symptoms consistent with UF. Forty-nine (73%) respondents reported a mean overall work impairment score of 33% during the past week due to UF driven by presenteeism (28%) relative to absenteeism (6%). Lost productivity costs were estimated at $387/week. Conclusions Women with UF symptoms report substantial lost productivity, driven primarily by impairment while at work, which also has economic implications.

Talc Review Omission