INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DISEASES CAUSED BY ASBESTOS, TALCUM POWDER, AND YOUR LEGAL OPTIONS

ZAMLER, SHIFFMAN & KARFIS, P.C.

Bingham Farms, MI

In Michigan call 1-800-LAWYERS or (248) 557-1155

Outside of Michigan call 1-888-FREELAW

www.ZSKPC.com

Experienced Michigan lawyers handling Mesothelioma, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, pharyngeal cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, asbestosis, and endometrial and ovarian cancer cases.

ASBESTOS FORWARD

Ten thousand Americans die each year, about 30 deaths per day, from asbestos-related diseases, according to the Environmental Working Group. These diseases primarily affect older men. In fact, one out of every 125 men who die over 50 die from asbestos-related diseases. Women who were occupationally exposed to asbestos are also at greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. Women, or family members who lived with a spouse or parent who was exposed to asbestos fibers, can contract mesothelioma.

Government health officials did not begin tracking mesothelioma deaths until 1999, even though medical science was aware of the hazardous risk of asbestos exposure beginning in the 1930s.

Why This Information Is Important

Workers in all 50 states, including Michigan, have been exposed to asbestos in industrial and commercial workplaces.

This guide informs workers and their families how asbestos may have been part of their work environment. It provides information on asbestos-related diseases, the types of products that contain asbestos, trades and job classifications affected, and the legal rights and limitations of workers who have been affected by asbestos-related diseases.

Perhaps you worked in a trade or on a jobsite where asbestos exposure occurred, or you are a family member of a worker who brought dangerous asbestos fibers into your family home or vehicle. Perhaps you contracted a disease related to asbestos exposure, or maybe you are a family member of someone who has died from an asbestos-related disease. Perhaps you are a woman who used talcum powder products as part of your hygiene habits.

Why Working With Our Michigan Firm Is Important

Michigan’s Asbestos Counsel, Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, P.C., has been handling mesothelioma cases, other asbestos cancer cases, and asbestosis cases for more than 45 years. We also handle feminine talcum powder cancer-related cases. Our experienced team includes attorneys with both medical and legal knowledge, investigators, paralegals, and administrative assistants with decades of experience.

We have handled asbestos cases all over the State of Michigan and have the advantage of our database for many industrial and commercial sites where asbestos has been used in Michigan.

Simply put, we know more about the use of asbestos at Michigan worksites than any out-of-state firms or in-state TV celebrity attorney firms.

How you can contact us:
Call us at 1-800-LAWYERS (in Michigan), or (248) 557-1155; or toll free from out of state at 1-888-FREELAW.
Visit us at www.ZSKPC.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. The basics about asbestos-related diseases
2. Asbestos and asbestos exposure
3. Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
4. Legal rights and time limits
5. Talcum powder related cancers
6. Client testimonials
7. Michigan’s Asbestos Counsel, Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, P.C.

CHAPTER 1

The Basics About Asbestos-Related Diseases

What is Mesothelioma?

Inside your body is a layer of cells called the mesothelium that surrounds many of your internal organs.

In different parts of your body, the mesothelium has different names. Around your lungs, it is called the pleura. Around your abdomen and many abdominal organs, it is called the peritoneum. Around your heart and chest, it is called the pericardium.

According to the American Cancer Society, mesothelial tumors can start in any of these groups of cells and can be non-cancerous or cancerous. Malignant mesothelioma is cancer of these mesothelial cells.

Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma begins in the chest, known as pleural mesothelioma. It can also begin in the abdomen, known as peritoneal mesothelioma, or the covering of the testicles, known as mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis.

While mesothelioma is relatively rare, each year about 3,000 new cases are diagnosed. Some project that new mesothelioma cases will continue to be diagnosed through 2035. It is not uncommon for many patients with mesothelioma to have had short, limited exposure to asbestos. Because mesothelioma develops and progresses rapidly, it is important to take action, both medically and legally, as soon as possible.

What causes Mesothelioma?

Exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma of the lungs or chest according to the American Cancer Society. High levels of exposure occurred in workplaces where asbestos was present and where workers were exposed over a long period of time.

Many people who have developed mesothelioma have worked in industries where there is significant exposure to asbestos, such as power plants, steel mills, chemical plants, oil refineries, foundries, shipyards, and various other industrial and commercial sites.

Many of those with mesothelioma have been exposed through construction and building trades such as pipefitters, boilermakers, welders, electricians, insulators, plumbers, drywall finishers, and many more.

Why is there a delay in disease development?

Mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related diseases, can take decades to develop, often referred to as a latency period. Disease may become present up to 50 years after exposure, which means a large portion of those exposed in the 1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s are now becoming sick or dying from asbestos-related cancers and diseases.

Can Mesothelioma be related to asbestos exposure even if I smoked?

Medical experts agree that mesothelioma is not caused by smoking cigarettes, and smoking combined with asbestos exposure does not increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, smoking combined with asbestos exposure may increase the risk of developing lung cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.

What if I have lung cancer, but I smoked?

Lung cancer may still be related to your asbestos exposure, even if you smoked. Cigarette smokers who were exposed to asbestos have an increased risk of lung cancer by 50 to 84 times, according to the Department of Health & Human Services Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry. Bio-medical statistics clearly suggest that there is a synergistic relationship between cigarette smoking and developing lung and other asbestos-related diseases such as laryngeal, esophageal, stomach, and colorectal cancers.

What are the other asbestos exposure related diseases?

Asbestosis is a progressive, irreversible disease caused by long-term breathing in of asbestos fibers, which causes scarring on the bottoms of the lungs. This scarring makes it increasingly difficult for the body to take in oxygen from air breathed in, and to expel carbon dioxide from air breathed out. Those with asbestosis are at greater risk for lung cancer, especially if they smoked.

Lung Cancer occurs when there is an abnormal reproduction of RNA in cells of a body’s organ and numerous medical studies have established that asbestos exposure can cause such abnormal reproduction of cells. Lung cancer forms in the cells lining the air passages within the tissues of the lungs.

Laryngeal Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Stomach Cancer, and Colorectal Cancer have also been linked in medical studies to asbestos exposure, especially where there is underlying evidence of asbestosis.

What types of trades or job classifications contract these diseases?

Michigan jobsites with documented evidence of asbestos-containing products

DTE: Congress Heating Plant, Willis Heating Plant, Beacon Heating Plant, Boulevard Heating Plant, Marysville Power Plant, St. Clair Power Plant, Port Huron Power Plant, Greenwood Power Plant, Harbor Beach Power, Belle River Power Plant, Conners Creek Power, Del Ray Power, Warren Service Center, Trombley Warehouse, Monroe Coal Power, Trenton Channel Power, River Rouge Power, Fermi I Power Plant, Pennsalt Chemical, BASF Chemical North, BASF Chemical South, Manholes, Substations.

Consumers Power: Whiting Power Plant, Karn Power Plant, Weadock Power Plant, Cobb Power Plant, Campell Power Plant, Palisades Power Plant, Monroe Power Plant, Marysville Gas Power, Zilwaukee Heating Plant, Kalamazoo Heating Plant.

Dow Chemical and Dow Corning: Dow Chemical Midland, Dow Chemical Ludington, Dow Corning Midland.

Steel Mills and Foundries: GLS, Ford, GMC, Zug Island, Steel Division, Malleable Foundry, Ecorse, Dearborn Foundry, Pontiac Foundry, 80” Mill, Dearborn Specialty Steel, Nodular Iron, Michigan Steel, Michigan Casting Center, Chevy Drop Forge, Dearborn Glass, Grey Iron Foundry, Dearborn Engine, Chevy Gear & Axle, Rawsonville, Chevy Spring & Bumper Detroit, Sterling Heights, Chevy Spring & Bumper Livonia, Sheldon Road, GM Tech Center, Ypsilanti, Flint Boiler, Livonia Transmission, AC Spark Plug, Monroe, Willow Run Wyandotte, McLouth Steel, Chrysler, General Dynamics, Trenton, Huber Foundry, Warren Truck Plant, Detroit, Detroit Forge & Foundry, Gibraltar, Mound Road Stamping, Mound Road Engine, Eldon Axle, Lynch Road Assembly, Dodge Main, Chrysler Chemical Trenton, Trenton Engine, Warren Dodge Truck.

Refineries and Chemical Plants: Marathon Oil, Detroit; Total Refinery, Alma; Mobil Oil, Woodhaven.

There are many other job sites where asbestos was used in Michigan which are not listed above.

Why is it important to investigate your legal rights?

Individuals may be suffering from cancers and pulmonary diseases and may not be aware that their disease may be related to the asbestos-containing products they used during their working careers.

Because asbestos can be found in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, any construction-related profession or trade worker is at risk of hazardous exposure. The construction industry is listed by the Environmental Science Laboratory at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York as having the highest number of potentially exposed workers between 1940 and 1980.

Veterans: Navy veterans who were stationed aboard ships or worked in shipyards had extensive exposure to asbestos prior to the 1980s. Veterans are dealing with the effects of asbestos-related diseases.

ASBESTOS INJURES AND KILLS WORKERS.

CHAPTER 2

Asbestos and Asbestos Exposure

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicon-containing minerals made of bundles of fibers that can be separated into threads that are resistant to chemicals and fire. Because of its unique and superior capabilities, it was widely used in a number of industrial applications for decades and was often required in product specification or building codes.

Due to concerns by governmental agencies and environmental groups, buildings containing asbestos are carefully monitored when they are demolished or when asbestos products are removed. Yet historically, little concern was shown for the workers who applied the products in these buildings or plants.

The majority of these workers and tradesmen were not aware that the products they used contained asbestos, and the potentially lethal hazards posed by these products. They were given no warnings about the hazards of these products, no breathing protection, and were often told it was safe, even though asbestos miners and manufacturers knew the relationship between asbestos and various forms of cancer since the 1930s. Many of these entities actively suppressed the release of medical studies establishing the hazards of asbestos.

What type of products contained asbestos?

Some trades or workers may not have applied these products, but were in the immediate area when they were applied. When applied, these products released dust into the facility atmosphere, which they breathed in. Or their job duties required them to cut through, chop out, or rip out such products, which created asbestos-containing dust they breathed in.

Are these products still on the market?

Beginning in the early 1970s, various asbestos-containing materials were banned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In 1984, the EPA issued a final rule banning most asbestos-containing products. This rule was overturned in 1991 by appeal. As a result, most of the original ban on the manufacture, importation, processing, or distribution in commerce for the majority of asbestos-containing products was overturned. In 2024, the use of any form of asbestos was again banned in the United States.

ASBESTOS INJURES AND KILLS WORKERS.

CHAPTER 3

Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Many symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may be signs of other illnesses. At first, many people ignore the symptoms or mistake them for less serious common illnesses. The presence of such symptoms, together with a work history with asbestos exposure, no matter how brief, should prompt you to visit your family doctor or a pulmonary specialist. Be sure to tell your doctor of your work history and exposure to asbestos.

If you are a family member of someone who has been exposed to asbestos, we strongly encourage that individual to schedule an appointment with a physician so they can be medically evaluated for potential asbestos-related disease.

What are symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Symptoms of Mesothelioma of the chest (pleural) include:

• Shortness of breath
• Cough, especially a painful cough
• Fluid buildup in the chest cavity
• Hoarseness
• Unexpected weight loss
• Fatigue
• Pain in the lower back, side of chest, or under rib cage
• Lumps of tissue under the skin of the chest
• Difficulty swallowing

Symptoms of Mesothelioma of the abdomen (peritoneal) include:

• Belly pain
• Unexpected weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen, or lumps of tissue in the abdomen

How is Mesothelioma diagnosed?

In the absence of any screening tools for Mesothelioma, it is often detected when people with symptoms see their doctor. The disease is very difficult to diagnose based just upon symptoms. It is crucial that you advise your doctor that you have been exposed to asbestos, which will help in the diagnosis.

Your doctor will likely begin with a physical examination to check for lumps or other unusual signs. Your doctor may also order a chest x-ray or CT scan of your abdomen or chest. If they reveal a build-up of fluids in the chest, your doctor or a surgeon may perform a thoracentesis, a procedure where a needle is inserted into the chest cavity and fluid is removed.

Your doctor or a surgeon may perform a biopsy to remove tissue to be microscopically examined in a laboratory. According to the Mayo Clinic, a biopsy is the only way to determine whether you have Mesothelioma.

If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, there may be additional tests that help determine the stage of your disease, including CT scans, MRI, and PET scans.

Pleural Mesothelioma is staged according to the extent of the disease, which is a complex process. For further information about how pleural mesothelioma is staged, refer to the American Cancer Society or ask your doctor for written information about disease staging.

Pleural Mesothelioma is the only type of Mesothelioma that is staged according to disease extent. Other types of Mesothelioma have not yet been studied enough to have a formal staging system.

What is the difference between lung cancer and mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma and lung cancer are two different and distinguishable diseases. Often, they are mistaken as being the same, but they are not. Both arise in similar locations of the body, the chest and abdomen, however there are many differences.

According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer begins within the tissues of the lungs. It results from a replication of abnormal cells that grow at an accelerated and uncontrollable rate which cluster together to form a malignant tumor. These cells destroy surrounding healthy lung cells. Asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Smoking is also a risk factor for lung cancer. The combination of cigarette smoking and asbestos inhalation increases the risk for the development of lung cancer.

Pleural Mesothelioma develops in the pleura, a thin membrane separating the chest walls from the lung. Mesothelioma grows along the surface of the lung and other surfaces of the chest and causes breathing difficulties and chest pain. Mesothelioma is not caused by or related to smoking. According to the American Lung Association, Mesothelioma can spread to chest lymph nodes and into the lungs, but rarely to the rest of the body.

How is Mesothelioma treated?

Currently, Mesothelioma is a chronic incurable disease. No treatment exists that provides complete remission on a consistent basis. Many treatments provide relief of symptoms but do not cure the underlying disease. This is called palliative care. Half of patients who choose palliative care will live beyond six months from the date of diagnosis. Since each patient and each case is unique, treatment should be tailored to the patient’s needs.

Available treatments

Surgery: If surgery is an option, it will likely be used together with other treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiation, or both.

Nonsurgical therapies: Because Mesothelioma involves the linings that surround organs, surgery is often difficult and surgical options are limited. In cases where surgery is not an option, chemotherapy, radiation, or both may be used.

Chemotherapy: This treatment uses anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can move to most parts of the body through the bloodstream. Radiation therapy may also be used to treat cancer in a specific and localized way. In some cases, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used together to enhance effectiveness.

Multimodality treatment: This means many treatment options are used either at once or in sequence. For example, chemotherapy may be given before surgery to decrease tumor size and make it easier to remove.

Clinical trials: Clinical trials include new drug treatments that are part of medical research studies. They help determine the effectiveness of new drugs as well as their effect on patients. You can learn more about clinical trials and whether there is a current trial that might work for you by talking with your doctor.

What is asbestosis?

Asbestosis is not Mesothelioma or an asbestos-related form of cancer. It is a separate and distinct disease process also caused by exposure to asbestos. Like Mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancer, it appears many years after exposure. It is a serious, chronic progressive disease with no current cure.

According to the Mayo Clinic, asbestosis is a chronic, long-lasting disease. It occurs when asbestos fibers are breathed in and become lodged in the tiny sacs inside the lung and cause irritation. The lung tissue becomes scarred and the lungs become stiff, making breathing very difficult. The scarring inhibits oxygen being transferred into the bloodstream and inhibits the exhaling of carbon dioxide from the body.

Over time, it may become more difficult to breathe, even after exposure to asbestos has ended. It takes decades after first exposure for asbestosis to develop and manifest.

Those with asbestosis also have an increased risk of developing lung cancer, especially if they smoked or have a history of smoking.

Asbestos exposure also can cause pleural plaques, a thickening or hardening of the linings of the lung. Asbestosis can lead to heart failure, lung failure, or death.

What are the symptoms of asbestosis?

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Persistent dry cough
• Chest pain and tightness
• Blue-tinged finger and toenails
• Fingertips and toes that are wider and rounder than normal

How is asbestosis diagnosed?

The symptoms of asbestosis are similar to many other types of lung disease. In order to obtain an accurate diagnosis, you will have to undergo many non-invasive tests. It is crucial that you advise your doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos or had secondary exposure to ensure a proper diagnosis.

Under Michigan law, to have a sufficient medical basis to proceed with an asbestosis suit, two medical criteria must be established. First, a recent chest x-ray, preferably no more than a year old and without technical difficulties, must be read and graded by a certified B-reader, a radiologist specifically trained in detecting asbestos-related lung injuries. The chest x-ray must reveal scarring of the lungs. Second, an occupational medicine physician or pulmonologist must review the occupational and medical history, perform a non-invasive physical, review chest x-rays and pulmonary function test results, and diagnose asbestosis.

How is asbestosis treated?

Currently, there is no cure for asbestosis or treatments to reverse this disease of the lungs. Some treatment options may slow progression of the disease and relieve some of the symptoms. Your doctor will recommend that you quit smoking and may offer medications or other support to help you quit.

Your doctor may prescribe oxygen that you breathe in through thin plastic tubing or a mask and may recommend an exercise program to help make your condition more comfortable.

In extreme cases of severe asbestosis, you may also be considered for a lung transplant. Clinical trials may also be available. In other instances, you may be placed on external oxygen 24/7. Consult with your doctor about which course of treatment might be right for you or whether there is a clinical trial for which you may qualify.

You may be offered additional information to help you ease the symptoms of your disease and improve your quality of life.

The American Lung Association recommends that you consult a good attorney if you believe you have respiratory problems from asbestos exposure.

ASBESTOS INJURES AND KILLS WORKERS.

CHAPTER 4

Legal Rights and Time Limits

What are your legal rights if you have contracted a disease caused by asbestos exposure?

If you have contracted an asbestos-caused disease, or if a family member has died of an asbestos-caused disease, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim as well as a product liability case. Workers’ compensation pays the employee or the employee’s dependents weekly benefits and medical expenses.

Products liability suits are filed against the manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing products. This lawsuit provides recovery above and beyond workers’ compensation benefits.

Both products liability and workers’ compensation cases impose time limitations for pursuing your case. In Michigan, and most other jurisdictions, the time period begins to run only after the worker has had an asbestos-related disease diagnosed. In Michigan, in most instances, it is a three-year time period.

If you believe you may have an asbestos-related disease, you should contact Michigan’s Asbestos Counsel, Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, P.C., immediately.

Why should I call an attorney now?

It is important to take care of the medical aspects of coping with asbestos-related disease, but it is also important to preserve your legal rights, which may assist in paying for the bills that accompany treatment of this disease.

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, or if you suspect that you may have an asbestos-related disease, you should seek legal representation as well as medical attention. The experienced multi-disciplinary team at Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, P.C. will help you better understand your legal options.

Many people who have asbestos-related diseases have not yet been diagnosed because their primary care physicians are unfamiliar with the symptoms of the disease, or do not know specific information regarding asbestos exposure and its many detrimental effects on the body.

Contacting experienced attorneys who handle these specific types of cases is the first step. Our attorneys and staff all have decades of experience and have handled thousands of asbestos-related disease cases. The information you possess about your own work history will be critical to the preparation of your case. The sooner the process begins, the better the results.

Additionally, our attorneys can help determine if you qualify for workers’ compensation or Social Security benefits, as well as pursue a lawsuit against manufacturers of asbestos-containing products who were aware of the possibility of asbestos-related disease yet did not warn workers.

Our experienced attorneys can also assist you in getting an expert medical opinion from a fully qualified, experienced physician who is very knowledgeable about asbestos-related diseases.

When considering an attorney, choose carefully. You need experienced attorneys who are familiar with Michigan’s asbestos litigation, as it is very complicated. Michigan Asbestos Counsel, Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, P.C. is knowledgeable in both the medical and legal aspects of asbestos cases and strives on behalf of clients to get optimal results.

What do I need to know about the manufacturers?

The manufacturers of asbestos products are legally responsible and liable to the victims of this epidemic. The manufacturers knew for many years of the danger of asbestos exposure and did nothing to protect or warn those exposed to the hazardous dust from their products.

Documents have been discovered and testimony taken in various cases around the country demonstrating that certain manufacturers long knew how dangerous asbestos is, yet chose to cover up their knowledge.

The evidence is so overwhelming that in several states this outrageous conduct is punished with additional punitive damages.

Social Security Disability is also available to asbestos victims if they are so disabled that they are unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity and this disability is expected to last at least 12 months. This is not available to people over the age of 65 or those with insufficient earnings. Veterans, federal employees, and maritime employees also have specific legal rights and remedies.

What if the manufacturer has filed for bankruptcy or is no longer in business?

Lawsuits are not filed against employers but against the manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing products, so it is understandable to be concerned that a company is no longer in business.

Many large manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing products have gone into bankruptcy in order to avoid liability for future suits from harmed workers. In several instances, the federal bankruptcy courts, prior to providing protection, required such entities to set up independent trusts funded with sufficient money to pay all potential future asbestos-related claims. Currently, there are about 30 such asbestos trusts funded with approximately 30 billion dollars. Our attorneys and staff, since the beginning of the asbestos trusts, have been successful in getting claims against such trusts paid.

What if I do not have Mesothelioma or asbestos-related cancer?

Currently, Michigan law allows for the filing of noncancerous forms of asbestos disease, such as asbestosis. Some states no longer permit the filing of cases for noncancerous forms of asbestos disease or strictly limit who may file such cases, depending on the severity of the disease. Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis has successfully filed and received outstanding results in Michigan on thousands of asbestosis cases.

Why should I seek recovery?

A recovery in an asbestos lawsuit may help cover medical expenses, lost wages, or other economic losses, and may provide some measure of compensation for the human suffering caused by a diminished ability to perform or enjoy the normal activities of life. It may also provide compensation for the loss of companionship for a spouse.

Can I recover compensation on behalf of my deceased spouse or family member?

Yes. It is possible to file a lawsuit on behalf of a family member who has died of an asbestos-related disease. The personal representative of the deceased family member’s estate may secure compensation for medical bills and expenses, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, or loss of companionship.

Why retain Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, P.C.?

Because asbestos disease cases are complicated, it is highly recommended that individuals and families who need legal advice seek attorneys such as Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, P.C. who are knowledgeable, experienced, and highly skilled in handling asbestos cases.

Our attorneys and staff will assist you in gathering as much information as possible about your years of employment, the various jobs you performed, and the types of products used by you or by others in your presence.

We will work with you as a team to build the strongest case possible on your behalf. We are always available to answer any questions you may have about your case. The many repeat clients and referrals by our clients to their co-workers are testimonials to the excellence of our representation.

ASBESTOS INJURES AND KILLS WORKERS.

CHAPTER 5

Talcum Powder and Cancer

Talcum powder is made from talc. Talc is a mineral made up mainly of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. As a powder, it absorbs moisture well and helps reduce friction, making it useful for keeping skin dry and helping prevent rashes. It is widely used in cosmetic products, baby powder, adult body powder, cosmetic facial powders, and other consumer products.

Talc is mined from the earth. In natural form, some talc contains asbestos, which is known to cause mesothelioma, cancers, and asbestosis.

In 1976, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, the trade association representing the cosmetic and personal care products industry, issued voluntary guidelines stating that all talc used in cosmetic products in the United States should be free from detectable amounts of asbestos according to their standards.

Medical studies have linked the use of talc-containing baby powder and an increased risk of endometrial, ovarian, and fallopian tube cancer.

The International Agency for Research, part of the World Health Organization, has classified talc that contains asbestos as carcinogenic to humans.

Ovarian Cancer

Studies suggest that talcum powder might cause cancer in the ovaries if the powder particles applied to the genital area or on sanitary napkins, diaphragms, or condoms travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovaries.

In 2003, an analysis of 16 studies found a 30% higher risk of ovarian cancer in adult women who reported using talcum powder genitally. Based on that, international health organizations classified talc as possibly carcinogenic when used genitally. Recent studies have found higher rates of other gynecological cancer, including endometrial cancers.

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterine cancer. It starts in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, in women.

In May 2020, Cancer Epidemiology published a study that found a 21% increase of endometrial cancer in women who had used talcum powder genitally, especially post-menopausal women. The risk was 24% higher for women who used it at least once a week and slightly higher for women who used it more often.

In the general population, 2.8% of women will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer. In 2016, approximately 60,000 new cases were expected to be diagnosed and 10,500 women were expected to die from it, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Symptoms

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Bleeding between periods
• Spotting or bleeding after menopause
• Lower abdominal pain
• Pelvic cramps
• Thin white or clear vaginal discharge after menopause

Diagnosis

Endometrial cancer is diagnosed with a biopsy of tissue that is microscopically examined by a pathologist. Upon physical examination, symptoms may present as an abnormal size or shape of the uterus or adjacent organs. The cancer can spread to the cervix, ovaries, lymph nodes in the pelvis, bowel, bladder, or other abdominal organs.

Treatment

Treatments depend on the stage of the cancer when it is diagnosed. In early stages, it can be cured with surgery to remove the uterus, a hysterectomy. If the cancer has spread to other organs, treatments are less successful. In such instances, individuals may undergo radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormonal therapy.

Talcum products found to contain asbestos

• Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder
• Shower to Shower
• Avon
• Cashmere Bouquet
• Equate
• Elizabeth Arden
• Gold Bond
• Anti-Monkey Butt
• Desert Flower
• And others

If you have used talcum products and have developed ovarian, fallopian tube, endometrial, or other forms of uterine cancer, immediately contact our office.

We will work with you in establishing the strongest case on your behalf. The sooner we can get started, the better prepared we will be to obtain the best results. The major manufacturers of talcum powder products have continued to market their products toward adult women without providing any warning that use of such products may increase the risk of the user contracting cancer.

ASBESTOS INJURES AND KILLS WORKERS.

CHAPTER 6

Client Testimonials

“My name is Jorgo and I worked in a Detroit-area auto plant. There I worked with and was exposed to asbestos-containing products, and I developed lung cancer. I contacted Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis and retained Duncan Brown to represent me in a suit against the manufacturers of asbestos containing products. Mr. Brown personally met with me and regularly let me know how my suit was proceeding. Mr. Brown and his staff, besides knowledgeable, are courteous and thorough.”

- Jorgo

“The manufacturers of asbestos-containing products knew the dangers of their products and hid them from the public. When my father was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, I called Duncan Brown at Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis. I received immediate and comprehensive answers that were combined with a genuine caring attitude. Every time I called with concerns and questions those calls were met with quick responses. You will be well served by retaining Mr. Brown and Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease.”

- J Jenson

“My name is Juanita and I was diagnosed with Mesothelioma at a time in my life when everything was upside down. I met and retained Duncan Brown to represent me. He and his team made a terrible situation bearable. Everyone was so professional and yet so personable, and I recommend Mr. Brown and his team every chance I get. They made a big difference in the way things turned out for me.”

- Juanita R.

“As a result of being exposed to asbestos-containing products during my employment at the GM Pontiac plants, I developed colon cancer. An attorney friend of the family referred me to Duncan Brown of Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, who he felt was the best attorney to handle my case. My attorney friend was right. Mr. Brown and his staff were fantastic. They were polite and extremely competent. They were on top of all aspects of my case. Mr. Brown is a very skilled attorney who obtained excellent results on my behalf. He took the extra step of meeting with me at my home to ensure important settlement documentation was properly filled out to expedite the payment of my settlements. My wife and I would wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Brown to represent others who may have been injured by exposure to asbestos-containing products or in any other case.”

- Richard and DeLynn

“We are brothers who worked for DTE and initially retained a law firm not based in Michigan to handle our asbestos personal injury cases. Over time we became dissatisfied by the representation provided by that out-of-state firm. We fired that firm and, per suggestion of several of our co-workers, retained Duncan Brown of Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis to handle our asbestos claims. It was one of the best decisions we have ever made. Mr. Brown and his staff are knowledgeable, courteous, and effective. They quickly returned our phone calls and fully answered all our questions. The difference between Mr. Brown and the out-of-state counsel was startling. It was quite clear that Mr. Brown has decades of experience in Michigan litigation with a command of technical aspects of our employment, our unique exposure to asbestos products, and the law. He was able to settle our cases for much more money than the out-of-state firm had indicated our cases were worth. We are so pleased with Mr. Brown that we have recommended him to a number of our co-workers as superior counsel to handle asbestos cases in Michigan. We have heard from several of our co-workers who have retained Mr. Brown that they, too, are pleased with his representation. Mr. Brown and his staff are the best.”

- Aaron and Richard

“Zamler, Shiffman and Karfis many years ago represented my husband in an asbestosis case related to his employment at Great Lakes Steel and got us an excellent settlement. Unfortunately, my husband developed an asbestos-related lung cancer. Initially, in his lung cancer case, I retained an out-of-state law firm, which I became dissatisfied with because of their cold and unresponsive attitude. I fired that firm and retained Duncan Brown with Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis. Mr. Brown and his staff are courteous, knowledgeable, and quickly responded to my calls with complete thorough answers. I know quality legal representation, because I worked for a large Detroit-based personal injury firm for many years, and I believe Mr. Brown and his staff are excellent. In Michigan, if you have an asbestos-related disease, you will be well served by retaining Mr. Brown with Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, P.C.”

- Mary H.

CHAPTER 7

Michigan’s Asbestos Counsel, Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, P.C.

With over 45 years of expertise in handling asbestos-related disease cases, our firm will assist you in understanding your legal rights.

Our Attorneys

Duncan Brown is the manager of Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis’ toxic torts and asbestos department. He graduated from the University of Detroit Law School in 1986 and clerked for the Michigan Court of Appeals from 1986 to 1988. He is a member of the Michigan Bar Association, American Bar Association, and American Association for Justice and has been admitted to the Federal District, Appeals, and U.S. Supreme Courts. His legal expertise has been recognized by Lawyers of Distinction, Top Rated Lawyers of Michigan, and Who’s Who. He has handled products liability, toxic substance liability, tort actions, and transactional actions from state and federal district courts through appellate and supreme courts. Through his 38-year legal career, Mr. Brown has handled a wide variety of toxic environmental exposure personal injury and premises liability actions related to asbestos, formaldehyde, benzene, lead, herbicides, Roundup, talc powder, Camp Lejeune toxic water, black mold, and industrial fumes, mists, and solvents. Since 1988, he has continuously handled asbestos actions throughout Michigan and several other states. He has tried numerous asbestos cases in Michigan and authored and argued several asbestos-related issues to Michigan appellate courts. He is the only attorney currently practicing in Michigan who has both defended manufacturers of asbestos-containing products and prosecuted asbestos personal injury actions on behalf of workers and family members injured by exposure to asbestos.

Karl E. Novak is of counsel to the firm and has represented thousands of asbestos victims throughout the United States, in and out of the courtroom. Karl has extensive trial experience and a thorough knowledge of asbestos litigation and the medical aspects of asbestos-related disease. He has won countless verdicts on behalf of asbestos victims. He is a 1981 graduate of the College of Wooster and received his law degree from Capital University. Born and raised in Ohio, Karl worked his way through college in the steel industry. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Michigan Bar Association, and the American Association for Justice. He is a valued member of the asbestos team at Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, P.C.

Gene B. Zamler is counsel emeritus to the firm, attended Detroit College of Law, and passed the Michigan Bar in 1968. He co-founded Bockoff & Zamler in 1969 and was instrumental in establishing the toxic tort and asbestos departments. He remains a valued asset to Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis.

Donald Shiffman earned his law degree from Detroit College of Law in 1973. Early in his career he became an associate with Bockoff and Zamler, P.C. with primary responsibilities in trial litigation of workers’ disability compensation and social security disability claims. In 1989, he became a senior partner in Zamler, Mellen and Shiffman, P.C. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the workers’ compensation section, the social security disability sections of the State Bar of Michigan, and the National Organization of Social Security Representatives. Many consider him to be a Dean of Michigan Social Security Disability Litigation, and his excellence has been recognized by Lawyers of Distinction and Top-Rated Lawyers of Michigan.

Steven P. Karfis is a graduate of Detroit School of Law in 1997. He joined Zamler, Mellen & Shiffman, P.C. in 2000 and focuses his practice on premises liability, automobile accidents, and many other types of personal injury claims. He has tried and won several large verdict cases. His excellence has been recognized by Top Lawyers of Michigan and Super Lawyers.

How can we help you?

Our firm has been handling Mesothelioma and other types of asbestos disease cases for more than 45 years. Our experienced multi-disciplinary team includes attorneys and paralegals with both legal and medical knowledge of every aspect of Michigan’s asbestos litigation. We have handled cases throughout the State of Michigan, and we have the advantage of a database developed over 45 years for many industrial and commercial sites where asbestos has been used in Michigan. Our attorneys have more experience, have represented more Michigan workers, and are more knowledgeable about asbestos-containing products used at various Michigan worksites than any out-of-state firm possibly could.

We fight hard for our clients to get the best results possible. If you live or work in Michigan, or even worked in Michigan years ago, take advantage of an experienced multidisciplinary Michigan-based firm, Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, to handle your asbestos-related disease case.

Contact us now

Call Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, P.C. at 1-800-LAWYERS (in Michigan) or (248) 557-1155. If outside of Michigan call toll free 1-888-FREELAW.

Visit us online at www.ZSKPC.com.

We understand that people with Mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related diseases are often too sick to travel, and we are happy to meet with you at your home or other convenient location.

Learn More About Asbestos-Related Diseases

This booklet introduces workers and their loved ones to information about asbestos, a hazardous fiber that was used widely in countless products during the 1930s through the mid-1980s. This hazardous fiber was medically known for decades to cause deadly pulmonary diseases, which take from 15 to 50 years to become symptomatic.

If you or a loved one worked with asbestos, please take time to read this booklet to:

Learn more about asbestos-related diseases.
Learn more about talcum powder feminine cancers.
Learn more about your legal options.

A worker who has been diagnosed with asbestos-related disease should immediately seek both legal advice and medical attention. Here you can learn how our attorneys can help determine your legal rights and limitations, and the responsibilities of companies that manufactured, distributed, and supplied dangerous asbestos-containing products.

ZAMLER, SHIFFMAN & KARFIS, P.C.
Bingham Farms
In Michigan call 1-800-LAWYERS
Outside Michigan call 1-888-FREELAW
Email / Web: www.ZSKPC.com