🧪 Chattem Inc. – Asbestos Exposure Through Talc Products

Chattem Inc., a pharmaceutical and personal care company, became linked to asbestos exposure through its acquisition of talc suppliers whose raw materials tested positive for asbestos contamination. Although Chattem is better known for products like Gold Bond, its ownership of talc-based brands and suppliers has raised concerns about asbestos exposure for both factory workers and consumers.

🏢 Company Overview

• Founded: 1879

• Headquarters: Chattanooga, Tennessee

• Industry: Over-the-counter drugs and personal care

• Known For: Gold Bond, Selsun Blue, Icy Hot

• Parent Company: Sanofi (acquired Chattem in 2010)

• Asbestos Trust Fund: ❌ No specific trust established

• Current Status: Still in operation under Sanofi

⚗️ How Chattem Became Linked to Asbestos

While Chattem itself did not mine asbestos, the company:

• Acquired talc suppliers and talcum powder brands

• Used talc from sources later shown to be contaminated with tremolite asbestos

• Continued marketing powder-based personal care products that may have contained trace asbestos

Asbestos-contaminated talc is particularly hazardous because particles can be inhaled during application or inhaled/ingested by factory workers processing raw materials.

👷 Who Was Exposed?

🧑‍🏭 Factory Workers

• Raw talc processors at acquired supplier facilities

• Workers filling and packaging talc-based consumer goods

• Maintenance staff cleaning industrial talc dust buildup

👩‍🍼 Consumers

• Users of talc-based powders, especially with prolonged use

• Women applying personal hygiene talc to the perineal area

• Infants exposed during diapering with contaminated talcum products

⚖️ Legal Claims & Litigation

🧾 Key Lawsuit Details:

• Chattem has been named in multiple lawsuits tied to asbestos-contaminated talc

• Plaintiffs allege exposure to Gold Bond and other Chattem-linked talc brands

• Courts have examined whether Chattem knew or should have known about asbestos risks in its supply chain

• As of now, no public asbestos trust has been established by Chattem or Sanofi

📊 Exposure Estimates

👷‍♂️ Factory Workers (Direct)

➡️ Estimated Worker Exposure: ~750+

🌍 Product Users (Consumers)

➡️ Total Consumer Exposure Estimate: ~30,000–60,000+

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

⚖️ Can I file a lawsuit if I used Chattem talc?

✅ Yes. Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or ovarian cancer after using Chattem talc may be eligible to file a product liability lawsuit.

📆 Is there a deadline?

Most states require claims within 2–3 years of diagnosis, but eligibility may depend on your history of talc use and product identification.

🔍 What proof is required?

• Medical diagnosis

• Product usage history (Gold Bond or similar)

• Witness statements or receipts (when available)

🧾 Products Potentially Linked to Asbestos

📌 Summary – Chattem Inc. & Asbestos Risk