Johnson & Johnson baby powder, one of the most trusted products on the market, may increase the risk of ovarian cancer in women who use the powder for feminine hygiene purposes, a growing body of research has shown. A recent investigation also found that talcum powder is tainted with asbestos and that Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and other J&J products with talc have been tainted with asbestos for decades with the company’s knowledge, but they covered it up to protect the reputation of their product and their sales. If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, or any other cancer including lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis and you believe Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products to be the cause, contact an experienced talcum powder cancer lawyer today to explore your possible compensation options.
For decades, women have been using talcum powder to absorb moisture and as a deodorant, applied to their groin area, sanitary napkins, diaphragms and underwear to help keep them dry and free of vaginal odors. What many of these women don’t know, is that their trusted baby powder or body powder may actually increase their risk of ovarian cancer, if the powder particles are able to travel through the vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes to the ovaries. If this is true, which numerous studies have found to be the case, Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower body powder may not be as safe as the company has led us to believe.
The first link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer complications was established in 1971, when British researchers found talc particles “deeply embedded” in ten of the 13 ovarian tumors they examined. In 1982, the medical journal Cancer published research indicating that, when used for a prolonged period of time, talc particles from body powder used for feminine hygiene can enter a woman’s upper genital tract, possibly resulting in ovarian cancer. Over the past three decades, several new studies have examined the potential connection between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, and found that the risk may be as high as 33%.
Talcum powder lawsuits brought against Johnson & Johnson allege:
Over the past three decades, several new studies have examined the potential connection between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, and found that the risk may be as high as 33%.
Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral composed of the elements silicon, magnesium and oxygen, which, in powder form, absorbs moisture and helps cuts down on friction, making it a useful product for preventing rashes and keeping skin dry. Because of this, talc is widely used in a number of cosmetics and other consumer products, including Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower body powder. In spite of its benefits though, talcum powder has been linked to a number of possible side effects, and recent research has found that women who apply talcum powder to their genital area for feminine hygiene purposes may face an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Women and families who file a product liability lawsuit against J&J may pursue financial compensation for:
Women who have used talc-based body powder for years for feminine hygiene purposes are now pursuing claims against Johnson & Johnson, alleging that the company knew about the potential for talcum powder to cause ovarian cancer, yet failed to provide adequate warnings about this risk to the public. The very first lawsuit brought against Johnson & Johnson for ovarian cancer complications allegedly caused by talcum powder was on behalf of Deane Berg, who turned down a $1.3 million out-of-court settlement from the pharmaceutical company in favor of bringing her case to trial in 2013.
In the years since Berg’s case, more than 1,000 women have filed complaints against Johnson & Johnson over ovarian cancer and other injuries allegedly caused by its talcum powder products, and some of these women have been awarded significant settlements, the most notable being a $72 million jury verdict awarded to the family of a 62-year-old Alabama woman who died from ovarian cancer after using talc-based body powder.
What you need to know about talc safety
The Dangerous History of Talcum Powder
Talcum Powder Consumer Advocates (Facebook)
Johnson & Johnson Has a Baby Powder Problem
“Why aren’t they warning women about it?” The toxic danger in your baby powder
Johnson & Johnson verdict: Can talcum powder really cause cancer?
