Talcum powder, also commonly known by the brand name "Baby Powder," comes from talc, a naturally occurring mineral composed of magnesium, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Cosmetics company Johnson & Johnson introduced the beauty product into the marketplace more than 100 years ago.
Talc is widely used in products ranging from baby powders to cosmetics and facial powders. It naturally absorbs moisture and helps keep skin dry. Many female consumers use this product on their genital area for these purposes. However, its safety has been questioned in recent years.
Starting in 2013, Johnson & Johnson has had to defend against three separate lawsuits, all claiming that talcum powder causes ovarian cancer and that the company knew of the possible health risks but failed to warn consumers of those risks. The lawsuits accuse Johnson & Johnson of negligence and breach of implied warranty, among other allegations. Below is a discussion of talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits, litigation, and appeals.
Plaintiffs in the talcum powder lawsuits claim that talc-based powders may cause cancer in a woman's ovaries if the powder particles were to travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovaries. Johnson & Johnson has refuted that allegation by claiming there isn't enough statistical data to prove that talc powders can travel up through the reproductive tract, thereby causing cancer. Talc powder has also been linked to pulmonary issues and lung cancer, typically by way of inhalation.
The scientific evidence is currently inconclusive regarding whether or not talcum powder can cause cancer in humans. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), it is still unclear if talc increases the risk of cancer in humans. Conversely, the International Association for the Research of Cancer (IARC), a widely recognized international authority on cancer, declared the use of talc-based body powder on the genital area as "possibly" carcinogenic to humans.
Why doesn't Johnson & Johnson just put a label on products containing talc, warning of the possible health risks including cancer? Simply put, they aren't required to do so by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Baby powder is considered a cosmetic product and is therefore exempt from undergoing any safety review by the FDA, unlike food, tobacco products, dietary supplements, medicine, medical devices, and other products. Johnson & Johnson does have a limited warning label on Baby Powder, however, stating it is "For External Use Only" and urging consumers not to inhale the product. Critics say the warning does not go far enough.
Three talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits have gone to jury verdict in recent years, two awarding plaintiffs a total of $127 million dollars in damages:
Johnson & Johnson is currently appealing the Ristesund and Fox decisions. As of the writing of this article, the company still faces approximately 1,400 lawsuits alleging that talc in the powder caused ovarian cancer.
If you've used talcum powder manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and have experienced any unusual side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately. If you've developed ovarian cancer, consider speaking with a qualified product liability attorney who can help you file a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit and potentially receive financial compensation for your injuries.
