Talcum powder may cause ovarian cancer if women apply asbestos-contaminated products to the genital area over a long period of time, according to the Official Journal of the European Cancer Prevention Organisation.
While talcum powder alone does not contain carcinogens, asbestos occurs naturally in places where companies source talc for consumer products like body powders. If the company fails to test the talc thoroughly before, during, and after manufacturing the powder product, consumers may remain at risk. Given recent lawsuits and findings with household product companies like Johnson & Johnson, understanding the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer may help.
Traces of Asbestos in Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder
Johnson & Johnson, a familiar name in household staples, is facing thousands of lawsuits from longtime users of powder products that caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
Despite the current lawsuits, linking baby powder use to cancer can prove difficult for people with a history of ovarian cancer, as well as recently diagnosed patients. Longtime baby powder users can typically only speak to personal recollections of use.
Johnson & Johnson Facing Baby Powder Lawsuits
In February 2020, a Miami court ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $9 million in a talc-cancer case. The plaintiff, an 82-year-old woman in Florida, secured the award from Johnson & Johnson, making it the second case that Johnson & Johnson lost this year alone. Plaintiffs in other lawsuits claimed that long-term use of Johnson & Johnson powder products led to different forms of cancer, not limited to ovarian and lung cancers.
The evidence presented against Johnson & Johnson included internal documents proving the company’s knowledge of talc sourced from mines containing asbestos without disclosing such findings to its customers. While Johnson & Johnson argued that they remove the asbestos-containing talc when it produces its products, customers who used their talc products over a long period of time continue to file lawsuits against the company.
Johnson & Johnson and Talc Quality
In December 2018, Reuters released an investigative report that analyzed internal documents from Johnson & Johnson, showing that the company knew for decades that asbestos lurked in its baby powder. Documents that mention contaminants in the talc mined for use by Johnson & Johnson date back as far as 1958, according to Reuters. Further investigation by Reuters shows multiple attempts to hide it from the public by stakeholders at Johnson & Johnson.
In October 2019, the United States Food & Drug Administration reported findings of asbestos in Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder. Although the company recalled this specific lot of tainted powder, a history of a lack of concern for public health makes Johnson & Johnson’s credibility questionable.
Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer Study
According to the Journal of the Missouri State Medical Association, not enough studies can definitively link talc usage to ovarian cancer. The presence of asbestos in any substance, however, increased the risk of exposure for consumers.
The connection between powder and ovarian cancer does not result from the talcum powder itself; rather, it results from the exposure to asbestos naturally occurring in talc mines. Litigation surrounding talcum powder and ovarian cancer focuses on the potential exposure to asbestos, rather than the simple use of the powder.
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Legal Options for Ovarian Cancer Caused by Talcum Powder
If you or a loved one suffered ovarian cancer and have a history of using talcum powder products, the lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may fight for your rights. You may have an opportunity to hold liable parties accountable for your increased medical bills and the pain and suffering resulting from your ovarian cancer treatments.
When you work with the lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we assume the burden of the litigation process so that you can focus on your physical health and well-being. Speak with us about your unique situation, when you call us for a free consultation by dialing (800) 794-0444. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, so we never collect up-front or out-of-pocket payments for legal services until we secure a settlement in your favor.
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