Ronald E. Gordon Ph.D.’s Gripping Tale “Jane’s Dust: A Tale of Talc, Deceit, and Death”

Renowned pathologist and Professor Ronald E. Gordon Ph.D. from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai presents a chilling narrative that exposes the hidden dangers lurking within everyday products in his latest book, “Jane’s Dust: A Tale of Talc, Deceit, and Death.”

In collaboration with seasoned writer Joel Brokaw, Dr. Gordon draws from his extensive experience spanning over four decades of testing human tissues for asbestos to craft a compelling fictional story rooted in the harsh realities of over 300 cases involving mesotheliomas and ovarian cancer linked to cosmetic talcum powder.

The book narrates the harrowing journey of Jane, a fictional character whose life takes a tragic turn upon her diagnosis with ovarian cancer. From doctor visits to surgeries, chemotherapy, and eventually facing the devastating reality of mesothelioma, Jane’s story serves as a reflection of the countless individuals affected by the deceit and negligence of corporate giants.

Dr. Gordon’s purpose in penning this gripping tale extends far beyond mere storytelling. “Jane’s Dust” serves as a wake-up call to both men and women who have used or continue to use cosmetic talcum powders, urging them to monitor their health closely and recognize the potential risks associated with these products. Excerpts from the book underscore the urgent need for awareness and vigilance in the face of corporate malpractice and the devastating consequences it can have on unsuspecting consumers.

“Jane’s Dust” exposes the dark side of corporate greed and the extent to which companies will hide the truth. Dr. Gordon skillfully tells a story that grabs readers’ attention while also teaching them about the hidden dangers in their homes. Each chapter leaves readers more aware of these dangers.

Prepare yourself for a horror story of a different kind. This monster doesn’t have claws or carry a chainsaw. Instead, it lurks hidden and disguised in a dusty white powder that we keep in our medicine cabinets at home. This monster is ubiquitous, trusted, and engrained as part of our daily routine for over a century—and it is killing us. Talcum powder has been sprinkled on baby’s bottoms for generations and used in deodorants and a host of personal hygiene products and cosmetic for decades.

This monster has been kept alive by lies, deceit, greed, and a thirst for power. Jane’s Dust is a fictionalized account of one woman’s struggle based on over three hundred court cases that have pitted cancer victims against America’s most powerful corporations. Jane is shocked when she ends up with ovarian cancer. But that is only the start. She endures doctor visits, surgeries, chemotherapy, recovered only to develop a life ending mesothelioma. and eventually a lawsuit against the makers of talcum powder.

Jane learns the hard way about big business and the lies they use to cover up what they know. Nothing is exaggerated or embellished; this it is the reality faced by millions of people worldwide, some of whom may be family, friends, or neighbors. Every horror story leaves us with a cautionary tale, and this one is no different.

About the Author

Dr. Gordon received his BS degree in 1971 and a Ph.D. in 1976 from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where he also completed the requirements for an MD. He continued his research at Stony Brook as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Instructor of Pathology, focusing on respiratory lining repair mechanisms. After a year, he joined the Department of Pathology at Mt. Sinai Hospital and Medical School (now Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai) to lead Electron Microscopy and lung research projects. Over his 44-year career at Mount Sinai, Dr. Gordon advanced from Assistant Professor to Professor of Pathology.

Dr. Gordon is renowned for his expertise in Electron Microscopy, studying everything from nanoparticles to cellular structures. He has significantly contributed to diagnosing human tumors, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, and vascular diseases. His research on lung fibrosis led him to study asbestos-related diseases, and he has been an expert witness in legal cases regarding asbestos exposure. In 2008, his analysis of talcum powder revealed asbestos contamination, linking it to mesotheliomas in women. This discovery prompted Dr. Gordon to publish extensively on the subject and advocate for monitoring women’s health regarding talcum powder use.

Dr. Gordon has published over 230 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 16 book chapters, and now a book. He is married, has three children and four grandchildren, and is dedicated to both his family and his profession.

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