Free Consultations 24/7
Talcum powder is made primarily from talc, a mineral containing the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. Used in baby and facial powders, cosmetics, and other consumer products, talc absorbs moisture and can be used to reduce chafing against the skin. But despite its wide use for decades, talcum powder has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer in some women.
If you or your mother, sister, daughter, or other loved one developed ovarian cancer after using talcum powder, our defective product attorneys want to help. You may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages. Don’t wait, give us a call or fill out our free contact request form to get the legal representation you need today.
Although talc can contain asbestos—a cancer-causing substance—in its natural form, consumer products containing talc have been asbestos-free since the 1970s. But researchers have noted that even modern, asbestos-free products containing talc may increase the risk of ovarian cancer when used in the genital area. Talc doesn’t break down in the body and can travel through a woman’s vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes into her ovaries, causing irritation and increasing the risk of ovarian cancer.
In addition to baby powder, products used in the genital area that may contain talc include:
Based on current research, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies the genital use of talc-based body powder as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
In 2016, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $72 million in damages to the family of a 62-year-old woman who died from ovarian cancer after using talcum powder products for feminine hygiene for more than 35 years.
During the trial, lawyers for the victim’s family claimed Johnson & Johnson knew about the talc powder cancer risk for decades, but failed to warn consumers to protect profits.
Months after the landmark $72 million verdict, a Missouri jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $55 million in damages to a woman who developed ovarian cancer after using the company’s talc powder products on her genitals for decades. As a result of her diagnosis, she had to undergo a hysterectomy and related surgeries.
In April 2020, a New Jersey judge ruled that plaintiffs’ experts can testify against Johnson & Johnson, a move the company had previously tried to block. More than 16,000 lawsuits have now been filed agaisnt Johnson & Johnson nationwide. Thanks to this ruling, cases will continue to move foward.
In May 2020, Johnson & Johnson said it would no longer sell talc-based baby powder in North America. The company didn’t link its decision to the thousands of lawsuits it’s facing. However, many consumer safety advocates saw the discontinuation as a victory, as it spares consumers the risks of purchasing dangerous talc-based powder.
Whether or not Johnson & Johnson’s decision to stop sales of talc-based baby powder stems from the company’s legal problems, we know that this story is far from over. Our team is still accepting inquiries about compensation claims against Johnson & Johnson.
When a corporation’s products make you sick, you shouldn’t be left to pay the bill. If you’ve developed ovarian cancer after using a product containing talcum powder, you deserve an experienced team of lawyers protecting your rights. Contact our law firm today.
This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with the International Agency for Research on Cancer or Reuters.
Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.
Accessibility Tools
