Talcum Powder
Talcum powder has been used by women and girls for decades in what was thought to be a harmless method of absorbing moisture. Now, multiple U.S. jury verdicts linking regular use of Johnson & Johnson talcum powder to ovarian cancer highlight potentially fatal risks from talcum powder products. As alleged in lawsuits against talc manufacturers, these cancer risks were concealed from consumers, a “failure to warn” that has led to cancer-related injuries and deaths from talc exposure.
Talc is a commonly mined mineral comprising magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. For years, talcum powder has been used in a variety of consumer products, including baby powder and cosmetics.
In recent years, however, healthcare professionals and medical researchers have uncovered evidence that talcum powder may be linked to ovarian cancer in women. The earliest studies on the topic date back to 1971. In 2013, a study published in Cancer Prevention Research showed evidence that women who use talcum powder in the genital area may be 20-30% more likely to develop ovarian cancer than those who do not.
In November of 2013, Johnson & Johnson was found guilty by a jury in South Dakota of failing to warn consumers of the potential hazards associated with talcum powder. Talcum powder has been used in numerous Johnson & Johnson products for decades. Investigations show that the company may have known about the link between ovarian cancer and talc as far back as 1982.
Asbestos Link
In its natural form, some talc contains asbestos, a known carcinogen that can cause cancer when inhaled. As such, products with asbestos-containing talc are generally accepted as being capable of causing cancer. There are still ongoing debates over whether asbestos-free talc causes cancer.
The Injuries
Weintraub Law Can Help
There are thousands of lawsuits currently filed against Johnson & Jonson for ovarian cancer
If you or a loved one used talcum powder and has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you could have a claim.