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For generations, talcum powder has been used to absorb moisture and prevent skin irritations. The most popular form of talc powder, Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder, is just one example. Talcum powder can also be found in foot powders, cosmetic products, women’s intimate hygiene products, and a few medicated powders. Although many of these powders could be considered bathroom staples, recently revealed research indicates they could be hazardous.
There are currently thousands of pending lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, the popular manufacturer of talcum powder products. These lawsuits hold Johnson & Johnson responsible for failing to warn consumers about the potential danger of their powders, despite the company having knowledge of the carcinogenic properties. In 2013, the Cancer Prevention Research Journal published a study that stated women who used talcum powder products in the pelvic area had a 20-30% increased chance of developing ovarian cancer. If you developed cancer after using talcum powder regularly, our Los Angeles talcum powder lawsuit lawyers at BD&J want to help.
Get started on your Talcum Powder Lawsuits case by calling us at (855) 906-3699 or filling out our online form today!
About Talcum Powder Use
A naturally-occurring mineral, talc is mainly composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. In its natural form, some talc contains asbestos, a substance known to cause cancers in and around the lungs when inhaled. However, since the 1970’s, home talcum products have been asbestos-free. Most concerns about a link between talcum powder and cancer focus on: (1) long-term exposure to natural talc fibers at work (mostly for talc miners), and (2) female use of talcum powder in the genital area.
Research involving talcum powder has indicated a dangerous element in the mineral as far back as 40 years ago. Evidence also suggests that Johnson & Johnson was aware of the risk associated with regular talcum powder use as far back as 1971, but they did not indicate such a hazard on their product labels, nor did they notify consumers in any other way.
More specifically, talcum powders have been linked with the development of ovarian cancers. Talcum powder is popularly advertised and sold as a feminine hygiene product. Marketing campaigns have suggested daily use for such purposes, despite the hazards indicated in various studies. When used on intimate areas, certain components of the powders can travel to internal parts of the body, where they can cause inflammation in the ovaries. This irritation can eventually lead to the development of cancerous tumors. Ovarian cancer is the most common result.
Talcum Powder & Ovarian Cancer in Women
One study indicated that as many as 63% of all women with ovarian cancer had used talcum powder in the past. This study led the International Agency for Research on Cancer to officially classify talcum powder as a possible carcinogen, or cancer-causing agent, for women. Another study revealed that the particles in talcum powder can be absorbed into the body through the vagina in as little as 30 minutes. Once absorbed, the carcinogenic properties can immediately become dangerous.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has said that talc itself is “not classifiable” as a carcinogenic when inhaled. However, the IARC has classified the genital use of talc as “possibly carcinogenic.” The American Cancer Society has also warned that women should be cautious of using talcum powder in their genital areas, as it has been found to increase the chances of developing ovarian cancer. Use of talc products in the genital area could lead to the particles traveling to the ovaries, causing inflammation – potentially increasing the risk of certain cancers.
In addition to increasing the chances of ovarian cancer when used in the genital areas, talcum powder can cause pelvic or vaginal infections, leading to possible infertility or chronic pelvic pain.
Let Us Represent Your Case
If you used talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes and have since developed ovarian cancer, we want to help. It is very likely that your cancer was caused by the use of a Johnson & Johnson talcum powder product. If you have a claim, you may be able to obtain compensation for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering caused by the development of cancer, and loss of income.
If you lost a loved one due to ovarian cancer potentially caused by talcum powder use, you may have a wrongful death claim. If you wish to fight for justice on behalf of your loved one and prevent the loss of additional lives, we want to help you. You may be able to seek compensation for damages, including the loss of income from your deceased loved one, the loss of companionship, and medical expenses, as well as funeral expenses.
Contact us at (855) 906-3699 or fill out our online form to schedule a FREE case consultation with our attorneys.
