Talcum Powder Lawyer in San Diego

Talcum Powder Linked to ovarian cancer

For decades, adults and parents alike assumed talcum powder was safe enough to use on infants and children and in sensitive areas of the body. Unaware that it may have contributed to the development of ovarian cancer in thousands of women.

What is Talcum Powder?

Talcum powder – often referred to as baby powder – is processed from a soft mineral and is commonly used to freshen the sensitive genital area. Advertisements by Johnson & Johnson and other talc powder makers have persuaded women for decades that they need powder products such as this to help with odors, moisture, or friction. Because these products are readily available at stores like Walgreens, women have been using them regularly for many years of their lives.

Where is Talcum-Powder Found?

Talcum powder is a powder-like form of talc, magnesium silicate, mined from naturally occurring deposits in some regions of the U.S. and around the world.  It found near asbestos deposits, and the earliest talcum powder products may have contained asbestos.

When a link between asbestos and cancer became established, manufacturers began refining their talcum powder products to ensure that they were “asbestos-free.”  Talc itself, though, is known to be irritating and has contributed to respiratory problems like asthma and other lung conditions.  It may also contribute to the development of ovarian cancer when used in the perianal or genital region.

What products contain Talcum powder?

Talcum-Powder was the primary ingredient in several body care products, including Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower body powder.  Talcum powder was an essential ingredient chosen for its absorbent properties to dry up moisture, reduce odor and soothe skin.  Due to increasing pressure, most manufacturers have replaced the talc in their products with other absorbent powders such as cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Some products that have Talcum powder:

  • Johnson & Johnson Shower To Shower®
  • Absorbent Body Powder
  • Baby Powder
  • CVS Baby Powder
  • Rite Aid Baby Powder
  • Angel Of Mine Baby Powder
  • Family Dollar Mild Baby Powder
  • Anti Monkey Butt Body Powder
  • Colgate-Palmolive Cashmere Bouquet®

How Do I Know If I have a claim?

Each case is unique and evaluated individually, and women or family members of those who become diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum powder may be eligible for compensation. Contact The Mitchell Firm for more information.

In past medical injury lawsuits, plaintiffs have received compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. Family members may be eligible for wrongful death compensation if the victim has died. The best way to find out if you have a claim is to contact us and speak to a member of our team today!

The first study linking the use of talcum powder to ovarian cancer was conducted in 1971 when researchers found that 75% of the ovarian cancer tumors contained talc particles. A decade later, a Harvard University researcher found a 30% increase in ovarian cancer in women who used talcum powder products frequently. A 1997 internal memo shows that Johnson & Johnson, a manufacturer of Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower body powder, knew of the potential risk but believed the risk was too low to justify warnings or discontinue marketing their products.

The first talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson in federal court in 2013, was won. One of the leading experts in talcum-related cancer research, Dr. Daniel Cramer, testified on behalf of the plaintiff and suggested talc has been the cause of many ovarian cancers throughout the years.

During the trial, an attorney representing Johnson & Johnson admitted the company was aware of the link between talcum powder and cancer. He also stated, “the risk is insignificant.”

Consumers were unaware of the potential danger of the product because Monsanto failed to disclose the warnings on the product’s label. Monsanto’s reasoning? They were increasing the marketing activities of its products, particularly in the African-American and Hispanic demographics.

Since 2013, lawsuits have resulted in significant jury awards against Johnson & Johnson.

Notable cases include:

  • 2016 – $72 million awarded to the family of a woman who died from ovarian cancer after using talcum powder for decades
  • 2016 – $55 million to a woman who required multiple surgeries, including hysterectomy due to ovarian cancer
  • 2016 – $70 million award a woman diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer and who had used talcum powder for 40 years, won.
  • 2017 – $417 million to a woman who developed terminal ovarian cancer after using talcum powder for several years
  • 2017 – $110 million to an ovarian cancer patient who had used talcum powder for 40 years
  • 2018 – A Missouri jury awarded $4.69 billion to a group of 22 women who were all diagnosed with ovarian cancer and who had used talcum powder products for many years

Talcum powder cancer lawsuits are just the most recent in a long list of product liability lawsuits brought against Johnson & Johnson.

Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against talcum powder manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson, by women or families of those diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using body care products containing talcum powder. Thus far, juries have awarded nearly $5 billion to plaintiffs, but about 9,000 lawsuits have yet to be decided, and many more may be expected.

The Mitchell Firm knows how devastating a cancer diagnosis is, and we will travel to you, wherever you are, so you can focus on getting well and being with loved ones. Our legal services are free, so our clients never pay anything unless we win your case. Please give us a call today, and one of our representatives will be able to assist you.

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