Talcum Powder Lawsuits - Ovarian Cancer and Mesothelioma
Our Approach
The talcum powder lawsuit claims the manufacturers failed to warn users of talc of the increased risk of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma when women use these products for personal hygiene.
Our law firm is seeking compensation for individuals who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma and who had significant exposure to talcum powder, including Johnson’s Baby Powder.
Our Story
What we know about Talcum Powder lawsuits
The talcum powder lawsuits claim the manufacturers of talcum powder have known for more than 40 years there is a link between using the product and ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
Yet, these companies intentionally made the decision not to warn women that the powder could cause cancer by entering the lungs or the vagina after being applied for personal hygiene, and especially after use on the genital area or on sanitary napkins or condoms.
Women who use talcum power on a frequent basis for personal hygiene have a 30% higher chance of getting cancer.
The main talc products used for personal hygiene are: Johnson’s Baby Powder by Johnson & Johnson; Shower to Shower by Valeant Pharmaceuticals; and Baby Magic Baby Powder.
Talcum Powder injuries & side effects:
The most serious potential side effect from women using talcum powder is ovarian cancer (caused by the powder entering the ovaries through the vagina) and mesothelioma (caused by the talcum powder entering the lungs).
According to the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, frequent talcum powder use on the female genital area increases the risk of cancer between 30–60%. The more often a woman uses it, the more likely she will experience cancer.
Although the exact mechanism through which talcum powder causes cancer is still unknown, one theory involves chronic inflammation of the genital area, as talc particles rise through the uterus, up to the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Other than direct contact with the mucous membrane, the powder may also suppress some antibodies that usually protect against cancer, increasing its risk.
In general, prominent medical researchers, including obstetrician Dr. Daniel Cramer and Professor Karin Rosenblatt, agree that regular perineal use of talc-containing products can increase a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer by approximately 30%.
Talcum powder also has been associated with respiratory issues, including mesothelioma. This is caused by the powder becoming airborne during normal application. Prior to the 1970s, and even today, some talcum products contain asbestos, a naturally-occurring mineral and known carcinogen. Additionally, researchers have noted that talc has a chemical similarity to asbestos. Like asbestos, talc is a silicate mineral, having a crystalline structure. When ingested, these minerals have been known to cause irritation, leading to the chronic inflammation that can lead to the formation of cancerous tumors.
