Talcum Powder Cancer Lawyer

Overview

Lore Law Firm is reviewing claims on behalf of women who have developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma as a result of using talcum powder or other talc products.

What Is the Talcum Powder Lawsuit

Beginning in 1971, there were more than 20 different studies conducted that have linked the use of talcum, or talc, powder use to women developing ovarian cancer. Additionally, in 2003, further analysis of 16 of the 20 studies showed findings that reported women who were using talcum powder were 33 percent more likely to develop ovarian cancer. It is alleged that the maker of popular talcum-based products, Johnson and Johnson, has been aware of this risk since at least 1982 without providing a warning to consumers. 

The New York Times has unearthed additional information that suggests that Johnson & Johnson was aware of the potential link of asbestos to their talcum products. The New York Times article reports that the popular talcum-based product manufacturer spent several decades trying to hide this information from the public.

Does Talcum Powder Cause Cancer?

For decades, researchers have been studying the potential of a link between the use of talcum powder and ovarian cancer. Research has shown that when talcum powder is used on or near the female genitals, the powder may travel to the ovaries and be embedded in ovarian tissue. Talc is a natural mineral. However, it is difficult for the body to remove the talcum particles, which may result in inflammation that could lead to cancerous tumors. 

In the medical journal, The Lancet, the first medical study suggesting a link between talcum powder usage and ovarian cancer was published in 1971. The researchers in this study discovered that a majority of cancerous tumors were found to have talcum particles embedded in them. Subsequently, in 1982, researchers found that women who used products containing talcum powder during their ovulation cycle were 92 percent more likely to develop ovarian cancer. Over the next 30 years, 21 additional studies were conducted concerning talcum powder. Almost all of these studies showed that women who used talcum powder near their genitals were at risk of ovarian cancer.

The use of talc powder near the female genitals is considered to be a risk factor for ovarian cancer by both the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society. Despite the potential of a link to this deadly disease, Johnson and Johnson has yet to put out a warning about this risk on their talcum-based products.

FAQ

What Is Talc?

Talc is a naturally occurring, soft mineral made of magnesium, oxygen, and silicon. When talc is mined and processed, the fine powder is used in various different cosmetic products.

What Is Talc Used For?

Talc powder can be found in various different products such as:

• Baby powder
• Feminine hygiene products
• Makeup
• Lotions
• Deodorant

Due to talcum powder’s odor and moisture-absorbing properties, it can often be found in products commonly used on or around the genital area, like condoms or menstrual pads. 

How Is Talc Harmful?

Talc deposits that are found in nature are often located near harmful accumulations of the carcinogenic mineral asbestos. Asbestos is hazardous and has been linked to various different types of cancers. Two of the most notable cancers that can be linked to asbestos include ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Even minute amounts of asbestos can be linked to cancer. 

In the 1970s, the United States government required that all talc-based products be asbestos-free. However, it has proven difficult to ensure that companies comply as evidence has shown that manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson have had products that tested positive for asbestos from 1971 to the early 2000s. 

Women who have used talc powder on their genitals have a 30 to 60 percent higher risk of developing cancer, as reported by The International Journal of Gynecological Cancer. It is reported that talc provokes this disease by causing chronic inflammation of the:

• Fallopian tubes
• Uterus
• Ovaries

Talc has also been linked to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare lung cancer. It is thought that when a person inhales talc particles into the lungs, they can cause chronic inflammation that can lead to the development of cancerous tumors. 

Why Are People Suing?

Thousands of individuals who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma have filed lawsuits against companies that use talc powder like Johnson & Johnson. In addition to making claims that these products led to their cancers, people are also claiming that manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson were aware for more than 40 years that their products tested positive for traces of asbestos. Johnson & Johnson not only concealed this harmful information from the public, but they also failed to put out warnings to consumers. 

How Many Lawsuits Have Already Been Filed?

There are more than 19,000 lawsuits pending against Johnson & Johnson related to injuries alleged to be caused by its talc-containing products. There are additional lawsuits pending against other companies that produce similar talc-based products. 

Are There Any Settlements or Verdicts?

In July 2018, a record verdict of $4.69 billion in compensatory and punitive damages was awarded to a group of women plaintiffs who blamed their ovarian cancers on J&J’s talc products, including baby powder. An appeals court later reduced the verdict against Johnson & Johnson and a subsidiary to $2.1 billion in damages to the women.  

So far, there have been several settlements reached in lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, Colgate-Palmolive, and other manufacturers involving the link between talc powder and ovarian cancer or mesothelioma. Victims of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma have recovered multi-millions of dollars in settlement amount for their respective lawsuits, including:  

• California settlement of $2 million in January 2020.
• Florida settlement of $9 million in February 2020.

Are Companies Responding to Lawsuits?

Although there have been many losing verdicts and settlements paid out, these companies continue to state that their products are safe to use and do not cause cancer or contain asbestos. J&J has, however, stopped selling its talc-based baby powder in the U.S. and Canada.

Who Can File a Lawsuit?

If you were using talc-based products before being diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, you may be eligible to pursue damages by filing an individual lawsuit. If you used the talc-based products frequently and for an extended period of time, it is more likely that your cancer was caused by the use of the talc products. It is important that you speak with a lawyer as soon as possible if you suspect your cancer may have been caused by talcum powder so that you adhere to the statute of limitations (time limits for filing a claim). 

What Can You Win in a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?

What you are able to recover from a talcum powder lawsuit depends on the details of your claim and the damages suffered. 

If you decide to file a lawsuit, you may recover compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Lost earning potential
• Pain and suffering

How Can a Talcum Powder Lawyer Help You?

Our talcum powder lawyers can help you by:

• Protecting you and your interests
• Meet important deadlines
• Give you a clear understanding of your legal rights
• Provide trusted expert witnesses

Reach out to a lawyer to learn your options for your specific scenario.

Get Help With Your Case From a Trusted Talcum Powder Lawyer

If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using talcum-based products at any point before your diagnosis, you may be owed compensation for your losses. To get help building your case, contact a trusted talcum powder lawyer as soon as possible. 

Lore Law Firm is dedicated to helping you pursue compensation for the losses you have suffered at the hands of the companies producing harmful products. What you have gone through is unimaginable. You deserve to receive the maximum possible amount for your settlement to provide financial relief for all the losses you may have suffered as a result. To speak with one of our talcum powder lawyers about your case, contact us here or call (713) 782-5291.