THE WHAT? A South Carolina jury has ordered talc supplier Whittaker, Clark & Daniles to pay US$29.14 million in damages to a woman who developed cancer mesothelioma after using cosmetic products containing talc.

THE DETAILS Several firms were named as defendants in the suit, including Mary Kay, Avon Products, Colgate and Johnson & Johnson, among others. The case is believed to be the first involving Mary Kay.

THE WHY? The cancer is said to be tied to asbestos exposure and is fatal. The mother of three’s attorneys argued that the makers of the cosmetics in question knew the talc in their products contained asbestos but failed to warn users.