A cancer diagnosis is never fun, even when one is aware of the risk of developing it. Cancer is caused by changes to the genes, and this change can be caused by both genetic and environmental cancer. Genetics and family history are huge risk factors for cancer, but so are smoking cigarettes, not wearing sunscreen, and other poor health choices.
However, cancer may also be caused by the negligence of others. Throughout recent history, there have been many class action lawsuits brought against many companies in the U.S., and many have been because of a group of people developing cancer from a single product or action. Here are five class action lawsuits related to a large group of people developing cancer.
#1: Mesothelioma Lawsuits
According to the EPA, asbestos was banned in 1989. Asbestos exposure is the number one cause of mesothelioma, an aggressive and deadly form of cancer that affects the lungs and other organs. Workers across many industries may be at risk of developing asbestos, especially if they worked in any of the following:
- Miner
- Mechanic
- HVAC technician
- Firefighter
- Electrician
- Construction worker
- Chimney sweep
- An active member of the military
The family members of those working in these industries are also at risk for developing mesothelioma, and it’s believed that workers could have been better protected had they had access to the proper equipment.
#2: Roundup Weed Killer Lawsuits
Roundup is a popular brand of weed killer, but it contains a carcinogenic (cancer-causing) agent known as glyphosate. Glyphosate is an effective weed killer, as it has been used to kill weeds since the 1970s, but it has also been linked to the development of certain cancers:
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Mantle cell lymphoma
- Kidney cancer
Many people likely have a glyphosate-containing weed killer in their possession right now. Even if they don’t, glyphosate has been used in public places, such as parks and schools. Also, nearly all corn, oats and grains, soy, and cotton grown in the U.S. have been treated with a glyphosate-containing herbicide.
#3: Talcum Powder Lawsuit
Talcum-based products from the company Johnson & Johnson have been linked to the development of ovarian and endometrial cancers, as well as mesothelioma. For 50 years, there have been many studies on the link between women using talcum powder and developing ovarian cancer, and Johnson & Johnson knew that these products put their consumers at risk. In 2019, the company issued a recall of its baby powder because it had traces of asbestos found in it. To qualify for this lawsuit you must have:
- Used these products for at least four years
- Been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, endometrioid ovarian cancer, or mesothelioma in 2009 or later.
- Used these products before menopause.
#4: Water Contamination Lawsuits
Residents of the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base between January 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, were more than likely exposed to contaminated drinking water during their time there. Hazardous waste disposal and leaking underground storage tanks led to the drinking water being contaminated with benzene, perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, and volatile organic compounds. This contamination led to people developing various types of cancer, as well as the following health conditions:
- Reproductive issues
- Liver damage
- Birth defects
Unfortunately, the full extent of the health risks associated with Camp Lejeune’s drinking water isn’t known yet. What’s also unfortunate is that Camp Lejeune isn’t the only military base that has had its drinking water contaminated in some way.
#5: Zantac Carcinogen Lawsuit
On April 1, 2020, the popular antacid known as Zantac was recalled and pulled from shelves. The main ingredient, ranitidine, was found to contain the carcinogen N Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Some of the cancers that people have been diagnosed with after taking Zantac include:
- Thyroid cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Bladder cancer
The use of this now-banned OTC medication has also been known to cause stomach cramps, excessive vomiting, stomach ulcers, liver failure, and primary pulmonary hypertension. The qualifications for this lawsuit are some of the strictest, like having used the name-brand version of the medication for a minimum of a year or once a week for a minimum of six months— in addition to being diagnosed with one of the cancers listed above.
It’s important to note that not all cancer diagnoses were caused by one of these, which is why these cases have qualifications that need to be met. However, it is a possibility, and you should contact a personal injury attorney if you meet the qualifications.