Talcum Powder Lawyer

Thousands of women and their families have filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson for its failure to warn consumers about the increased risk of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma when using its popular talcum powder product.

The main ingredient in talcum powder is talc. Talc miners obtain the mineral by drilling into rock. However, talc and asbestos are located near each other. This means the talc manufacturers use for their products often contain asbestos. Asbestos is a known carcinogen. The lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson allege that the company knew for decades that its products contained asbestos, and never alerted the public.

Asbestos has links to both mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs when a person inhales small particles of asbestos that cause cancer in the lungs. In 1971, researchers found talc particles “deeply embedded” in ovarian tumors, leading researchers to continue investigating the link between ovarian cancer and talc that contains asbestos.

Juries throughout the United States have awarded victims billions in verdicts after hearing arguments linking talcum powder use to ovarian cancer. Johnson & Johnson has also made confidential settlements in undisclosed amounts. While some cases against talc manufacturers were unsuccessful and judges have overturned court decisions, in many cases, the verdicts have resulted in favor of the victims, providing them compensation for their injuries.

If you developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using talcum powder, you may have the right to receive compensation for your injuries. Our talcum powder lawyers can help build your case by reviewing your medical records, requesting all of your medical tests and pathology reports, hiring a medical expert to examine the tissue from your ovarian tumor to identify talc particles, and helping you document your use of talcum powder products within your lifetime.

No one should ever suffer injuries from products released into the marketplace, especially ones that manufacturers claimed were safe enough to use on babies. Johnson & Johnson, and other talcum powder manufacturers, continued to produce and release talcum powder products with known carcinogens to the public.

If you suspect that your ovarian cancer or mesothelioma is due in any way to the use or exposure to talcum powder, or talc-containing products, contacting a talcum powder lawsuit lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 can help you understand your rights, determine if you have a strong case, and help you receive any compensation you may be due from a talc-manufacturing company.

What Is the Talcum Powder Lawsuit?

Talcum powder lawsuits argue that manufacturers that produce and distribute talc-containing products knew that asbestos, a known carcinogen, contaminated their products. Plaintiffs have successfully argued in court that these manufacturers concealed that their products contained toxic, cancer-causing agents and failed to warn the public.

Studies have linked both mesothelioma and ovarian cancers to talcum powder. The inhalation of asbestos, the kind found in easily-inhaled talcum powder, causes mesothelioma. Researchers discovered ovarian tumors to have talc particles in them as early as 1971, leading researchers to believe that women who used talcum powder for feminine hygiene were more likely to develop ovarian cancers. Internal documents of Johnson & Johnson prove that the company knew that their products contained asbestos and intentionally kept this information from the public, especially from women who they knew were using their products for feminine hygiene purposes.

Anyone who used a cosmetic product containing talc or talcum powders that developed either ovarian cancer or mesothelioma could be eligible to file a talcum powder lawsuit. While Johnson & Johnson is the largest target of these lawsuits, manufacturers such as Colgate-Palmolive, Imerys, CVS Brand, Family Dollar, Rite Aid, and others can also be the subject of litigation regarding their talc-based products.

Filing a lawsuit against a talcum powder manufacturer holds them accountable to those that developed ovarian cancer and mesothelioma due to the use of their products. Also, a talcum powder lawsuit can prevent these companies from causing future harm, as well as providing monetary compensation to cover financial and emotional hardship endured by talcum powder users.

There are several successful lawsuits against talcum powder manufacturers, including Johnson & Johnson. Juries believed that there was a substantial link between the use of talcum powder and developing ovarian cancer or mesothelioma and awarded billions of dollars in compensation. The failure to reveal to the public that their products contained known carcinogens has led thousands more to file lawsuits as well. Over 13,000 lawsuits are currently in the process of litigation against these talcum powder manufacturers.

If you feel the use of talcum powder or talc-containing products led to your ovarian cancer or mesothelioma diagnosis, contact a talcum powder lawyer to help you understand your rights and see if you may receive compensation for your injuries.

Can I File a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?

If your doctor diagnosed you with either mesothelioma or ovarian cancer, you may be wondering if you can file a talcum powder lawsuit. Every person’s facts and circumstances are different. However, there are certain qualifications you should meet in order to determine if you have the legal standing to file a talcum powder lawsuit.

For women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the key is to establish a link between the use of talcum powder and ovarian cancer in order to file a claim. If you used talcum powder products for feminine hygiene purposes, your reproductive system may have absorbed that talc mineral where it stayed for years, ultimately causing your ovarian cancer. Talc particles within your ovaries and peritoneal areas can make the growth of epithelial ovarian cancer cells more likely.

The longer your duration and the greater the amount of use of talcum powder will help establish a connection between your use of talc-containing products and your ovarian cancer diagnosis. Additionally, if a medical professional examined any of the tissue taken from your cancerous fibers and determined the sample to have talc-containing fibers, you will likely have a strong chance to file suit. If you have not had this testing done, contacting a talcum powder lawyer can help you have an independent medical expert test your cancerous tissue for possible talc particles. If your doctor diagnosed you with ovarian cancer, and you had substantial exposure to talcum products, you may be able to file a talcum powder lawsuit.

For anyone who inhaled talcum powder, you may have the right to file a talcum powder lawsuit if your doctor diagnosed you with mesothelioma. While mesothelioma cases are not as prevalent as ovarian cancer cases, over 3,000 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed each year, many of which may be related to talcum powder. You can inhale talcum powder while it is being used on your body, on babies, or in certain industries, such as barbershops. Other industries that cause workers to inhale talc particles include construction, mining, industrial or factory jobs, or handling insulation.

If your doctor diagnosed you with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma and you feel as if you meet these qualifications, you may consider visiting with an attorney to file a talcum powder lawsuit.

For a free legal consultation with a Talcum Powder Lawyer serving nationwide, call (800) 794-0444

Who Is at Risk for Mesothelioma and Ovarian Cancer Related to Talcum Powder?

Anyone who has used talc-containing products on their genitals, or inhaled talc-containing products, may be at risk for mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. It appears from the research that scientists believe that the people with the highest risk of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma were those who had used talcum powders or were around talc powder for long periods of time, often decades.

You may be wondering if you are at risk for mesothelioma or ovarian cancer related to talcum powder. While scientists disagree, most of the evidence shows that there is some connection between talcum powder and these types of cancers after prolonged use. While it is impossible to state exactly how long you would you have to put talcum powder on your genitals, or how long you would have to inhale talc products to develop either ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, it is likely that you would have to be a user for a considerable period of time to be at risk for these kinds of cancers.

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How Can Talcum Powder Cause Ovarian Cancer?

As the news continues to report victories for ovarian cancer and mesothelioma victims against talcum powder manufacturers in courts throughout the United States, you may be wondering, “How can talcum powder cause ovarian cancer or mesothelioma?”

Talc is a mined mineral composed of oxygen, silicon, and magnesium. Talc may also be labeled as magnesium silicate on products. As it is mined, talc was discovered near asbestos mines. Due to their inherent proximity in the ground, often the mined talc mineral will contain particles of asbestos, as well.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen and causes thousands of cases of mesothelioma every year due to the inhalation of asbestos particles. When it was discovered that cancerous tissue of ovarian tumors contained talc fibers, researchers began to suspect the link between the use and exposure to talc with ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.

Specifically, in ovarian cancer cases, scientists believe that the use of asbestos-containing talcum powder by women for feminine hygiene purposes to absorb moisture and prevent friction was creating ovarian tumors. The research concluded that the talc-containing products were absorbed into the woman’s body to the ovaries. The talc was held in the body until, at some later time, an inflammation occurred and caused cancerous tumors to form.

As women were innocently using talcum powder on their babies and on themselves, they were both inhaling asbestos-containing talc particles, and also absorbing them into their bodies.

Research performed in 2018 has shown that there is a possibly strong connection between the use of talcum powder and ovarian cancer.

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What Is the Statute of Limitations for Talcum Powder Causing Ovarian Cancer or Mesothelioma Claims?

Product liability law, which handles talcum powder lawsuits, has a statute of limitations. A state’s statute of limitations is the deadline to file a claim in court. Product liability law states that manufacturers of products must ensure the safety of their products if they are in the stream of commerce. Strict liability standards are meant to prevent any dangerous or defective products, meaning that if the product is defective or dangerous in any way, the manufacturer can be held liable for the injuries of victims of their product.

Every state has a different statute of limitations regarding product liability. In Illinois, you have two years to file a product liability lawsuit based on talcum powder linked to your ovarian cancer or mesothelioma. This deadline begins from the date that you knew, or should have known, of your diagnosis. Illinois also has a 12-year statute of repose (the longest period of time possible to file a lawsuit). Once the product was sold, the 12-year statute of repose begins. The state also has a 10-year statute for products delivered to its first owner. Additionally, if a victim is a minor, the statute of limitations will not begin until the child turns 18 years of age.

Therefore, it is possible that your statute of limitations in Illinois may not begin until one of the following occurs:

• The FDA issues a recall for all talc-containing products, which has not yet occurred to date.
• The FDA issues a warning that talcum powder is linked to ovarian cancer, which has not yet occurred to date.
• Johnson & Johnson, or another talc-manufacturer, fully admit that their talc-containing products are dangerous or defective, which has not yet occurred to date.
• You discover that a talc-containing product may have caused your ovarian cancer or mesothelioma.
• You have a scanning electron microscope imaging study that confirms there are talc fibers in your cancerous tissue.

Federal law requires the retention of all tissue samples for ten years. After that date, they are typically destroyed. A talcum powder lawyer can help you send a preservation letter to your hospital or medical facility to attempt to prevent your tissue samples from being destroyed.

The statute of limitations for product liability can differ from state to state. However, the period of time you have to file a claim in court for your ovarian cancer and mesothelioma diagnosis is quite short. Making sure you visit with a talcum powder lawyer as soon as possible can preserve your claim and your right to receive compensation for your injuries. The calculation and determination of your statute of limitations and your deadline to file a claim for a talcum powder lawsuit can be legally complex. Contacting a talcum powder attorney as soon as you learn of your diagnosis of ovarian cancer or mesothelioma can help you ensure that your right to file a claim is protected.

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What Products Contain Talc?

What Products Contain Talc?

While most people think of talcum powder as the only product containing talc, talc-containing products can include several commonly used household items. Understanding what products contain talc can help you avoid this mineral, which has been shown in research to increase your risk of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.

Many cosmetics contain talc, such as blush, foundation, concealer, eye shadow, face powder, mascara, eyeliner, eyebrow pencils, lipsticks, moisturizing creams, lotions, and even face masks. Currently, there is no absolute connection between the use of talc in makeup and any kind of cancer. However, some of the face powders can contain up to 100% talc, which would indicate that prolonged use of these types of powders could increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, it is important to note that while talcum powder for use as a feminine hygiene product is connected to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, cosmetic makeup has not come under similar legal scrutiny. This discrepancy may be due to the amounts of talcum powder used and where. With less of a chance of becoming airborne (except for setting powders and face powders), science does not indicate an increased risk of mesothelioma or ovarian cancer. However, that said, it is likely best to avoid talc in cosmetic products to be safe.

Often, supplements will contain talc powder as a cheap filler or an anti-caking agent. Listed as magnesium silicate on the label, talc is used to either coat the tablet, or as a filler inside of the vitamin supplement. While talc is not considered food grade by the Food and Drug Administration, it is still allowed in supplements.

The use of talc in food has become questionable with regards to safety. For example, white rice is often coated with talc, as it makes the rice appear whiter. For years, the Japanese coated their white rice, which has led to a high rate of stomach cancer in Japan. The use of talc in food processing has become questionable with regards to safety.

If you are curious about what products contain talc in your home, a database from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services lists all the talc-containing household products.

How Long Has the Link Between Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer and Mesothelioma Been Known?

The link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer and mesothelioma has been known for decades. Since the 1970s, researchers have known of a strong connection between talcum powder and ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, but the public was never warned that talcum powder could raise their risk of either ovarian cancers or mesothelioma.

The first study in 1971 removed cancerous tissue from ovarian tumors, and 75% of those tumors contained talc particles. The research continued, and in 1982, a study showed that there was, in fact, a possible connection between ovarian cancer and talc use on the genitals. Though, some studies have not concluded that talcum powder use increases a woman’s chance of ovarian cancer. However, a 2016 research study again found that the use of talcum powder as a feminine hygiene product could raise the risk of ovarian cancer by 33% in women. The most recent study, done in 2018, shows a weak but still scientifically significant link between ovarian cancer and talcum powder use.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer states that talc and talc-containing products are not carcinogenic as a whole, but that using talcum powder may increase a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer slightly when used on the genitals for feminine hygiene reasons.

What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is almost impossible to detect, especially in the earlier stages. The ovaries are quite small and are very deep within the abdominal cavity. Symptoms that do exist in earlier stages are subtle, vague, or even silent. Typically, doctors only make a diagnosis when ovarian cancer spreads and the patient recognizes more substantial symptoms.

Some of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

• Bloating
• Pelvic pain
• Abdominal pain
• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
• Changes in bowel movements
• Increased abdominal girth
• Feeling a strong need to urinate urgently or often

Additionally, ovarian cancer symptoms can include fatigue, back pain, pain during sex, upset stomach, heartburn, constipation, or menstrual changes.

Most of these symptoms can belong to other medical conditions with benign results or simple solutions. Acid reflux and gastrointestinal issues such as GERD are extremely common and easily fixed through a combination of diet, exercise, and medication. Feeling bloated, constipated, having an upset stomach, or abdominal pain could all be related to this very mild condition that is often treatable within a few days or weeks.

You will know your own body better than anyone else. If symptoms such as the ones listed above are persistent and do not resolve with normal diet and exercise changes, or medical intervention, seek a medical professional to discuss the possibility of ovarian cancer.

There are several types of ovarian cancer. These types of ovarian cancer include epithelial tumors, germ cell tumors, and primary peritoneal carcinoma. These cancers have similar symptoms that are apparent before a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

While any woman can receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis, some women have a higher risk of developing it. Some of these risk factors include having babies later in life, using in vitro fertilization treatments, and being overweight.

If you have an inherited genetic disorder such as Lynch syndrome or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, you may also have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Any woman who has received a prior diagnosis of breast or colorectal cancer could have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Women who used talcum powder during their life may also have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Regardless of your potential risk, every woman should remain vigilant about signs and symptoms that may be an indication of ovarian cancer.

Who Can File a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?

Who Can File A Talcum Powder Lawsuit?

Any person who used talcum powder, talc-containing products, or suffered exposure to talc products and developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma may be able to file a talcum powder lawsuit.

Women typically developed ovarian cancer as a result of using talcum powder on their genitals over many years. Johnson & Johnson was aware that its products contained asbestos since the 1970s, and never warned the public. Women who developed ovarian cancer began to file and win lawsuits against talc manufacturers for failing to disclose that their products had a known carcinogen.

If you are a woman who used talcum powder as a feminine hygiene product on your genitals for an allocated amount of time, you may have a strong case to file a talcum powder lawsuit.

Talcum powder can also cause mesothelioma. If you worked in an industry or role which included exposure to talc products, you have the right to file a talcum powder lawsuit.

In order to file a talcum powder lawsuit, we will have to prove that talcum powder, or a talc-containing product, in some way played a role in your diagnosis. Discussing your case with a talcum powder lawsuit lawyer can help preserve your rights to file a claim.

Is There a Cure for Ovarian Cancer?

There is a cure for ovarian cancer. How curable your cancer is depends on several factors, including the stage. Each woman’s ovarian cancer journey is different. It is important to remember that the treatment plan created by your doctor will be the best plan of action in your case.

When it comes to treating and curing ovarian cancer, local treatments and systemic treatments, are considered the “standard of care” by the American Cancer Society. Both treatments include established medical procedures, medications, and clinical trials. Doctors can offer a clinical trial to a patient to help determine if the new treatment they are undergoing is safe, effective, and results in better outcomes than the current standard treatments.

One type of treatment that many women with ovarian cancer undergo is a surgery to remove any cancer tissue or tumors near the ovaries or the peritoneal wall. Gynecologic oncologists treat cancers that develop in a woman’s reproductive system. This type of doctor performs surgery and oversees chemotherapy treatment.

The surgery will assist in reducing as much of a tumor as possible in a woman’s body through a medical process known as debulking. It will also help the doctor determine the stage of the cancer growth within her body. Many symptoms of ovarian cancer can also indicate other conditions, so many women do not receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis until they are at Stage III or Stage IV.

The surgery may remove a woman’s fallopian tubes, ovaries, omentum (fat pad that hangs from the colon), lymph nodes (for biopsies), uterus, small bowel, large bowel, liver, spleen, parts of the stomach, gallbladder, parts of the diaphragm, and the peritoneum (the thin lining that covers the organs in the abdomen.)

For an optimal debulking, no individual node greater than one centimeter should remain in the woman’s body.

After the debulking surgery, the medical team will schedule the woman for chemotherapy. Chemotherapy identifies, attacks, and destroys specific cancer cells without harming normal, healthy cells. Chemotherapy often includes up to six treatments.

Experimental treatments and clinical trials are also available for women with ovarian cancer, including immunotherapy, which is a treatment that uses a patient’s own immune system to fight ovarian cancer.

If an ovarian cancer patient has a debulking surgery, followed by intraperitoneal (within the abdomen) chemotherapy, they have a greater than 50% chance to still be alive in the next five years, according to a meta-analysis published in Cancer Management and Research. Ovarian cancer can also go into complete remission many times for several years.

While receiving a diagnosis for ovarian cancer can be stressful and oftentimes difficult to discuss, make sure to have honest conversations with your health care providers to help you make the best decisions.

Can You Sue for Ovarian Cancer Caused By Talcum Powder?

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may be wondering if you can sue for ovarian cancer caused by talcum powder. Each case is different, and we suggest that you visit with an attorney to understand if you are entitled to a financial award. There are qualifications that talcum powder cases typically have when determining if a case has legal grounds for a lawsuit.

Typically, the type of ovarian cancer that has been linked to talcum powder use by women is epithelial ovarian cancer. The talc mineral is absorbed into the female reproductive system and can then lay intact for several years. When there is an inflammatory reaction for any reason, the talc particles can make substantial growth of epithelial ovarian cancer cells more probable. Therefore, if you received a diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer, you have more of a chance to sue for ovarian cancer caused by talcum powder.

Additionally, you must have had significant exposure to talc-containing products. If you have a history of using talcum-based powder products for the purposes of feminine hygiene, you may have a better chance to establish a claim in court. If you used Johnson and Johnson’s baby powder or Shower to Shower powders for perineal dusting, or for use on any diaphragms, menstrual pads, or any other product that would be near the genitals, over a significant period of time, you may have a right to sue for your injuries. Also, the longer your duration of use of these types of products, the greater your risk of ovarian cancer. Therefore, if you used these talc-containing products for years with great frequency, you may have legal grounds for a lawsuit.

If you feel as if you meet these qualifications, you may consider visiting with an attorney to file a talcum powder lawsuit. This is important so that your family can receive monetary compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and any other expenses that are related to your cancer diagnosis. While no amount of money could ever make up for the fact that you are diagnosed with cancer, the compensation will be able to help your family recover financially from the devastation that this injury caused. Whatever kind of ovarian cancer you have, and however long you used talcum powder, contacting an attorney will help you to understand if you have the legal qualifications to file a lawsuit.

What Compensation Can I Get if I Sue for Talcum Powder Causing Ovarian Cancer or Mesothelioma?

Making the decision to sue a talcum powder manufacturer is a serious legal step, and you will need to first ensure that you have built a strong case. Settlements in these types of product liability cases will vary widely as each one is dependent on the facts and circumstances of the individual filing the claim. With the momentum towards victories for plaintiffs, more and more lawsuits are being filed in court.

You will need to build a strong connection between your use of a talc-containing product, and your ovarian cancer or mesothelioma. Contacting an attorney that is familiar with talcum powder lawsuits can help you build a strong case, and help you understand how much compensation you may receive in your unique circumstance.

In fact, the failure to build a strong case can result in the inability to receive a verdict favorable to your side. Not every case that is filed against a talcum powder manufacturer, such as Johnson & Johnson, will result in millions of dollars being awarded to the plaintiff. There is no way to establish any kind of “normal” in such an emerging area of litigation.

What Is the Average Settlement for Mesothelioma & Ovarian Cancer Talcum Powder Lawsuits?

Companies such as Johnson & Johnson and Shower-to-Shower were sued because their products contained talc contaminated with asbestos particles, which arguably led to cancer diagnoses. Unfortunately, there is no real way to determine an average settlement amount for these cases. Each case is unique, with its own set of facts and circumstances. While some juries come back with verdicts in favor of the plaintiff in the millions, other cases have come back siding with the manufacturing company.

While there is no real average settlement amount for these cases, the issue becomes a bit more complicated because many of the lawsuits were filed in different state courts, which have different types of rules and regulations regarding product liability and safety lawsuits.

Finally, some of the talc related lawsuit settlements remain confidential, and there is no way of knowing the amounts the victims in those cases settled for.

Every case is a case-by-case decision, determined by negotiations between defendants and plaintiffs. Theoretically, if your case is determined to be a valid claim with an established connection between talcum powder use and either ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, you may have the right to receive a great deal of compensation for your injuries and your pain and suffering. Contacting an attorney familiar with talcum powder lawsuits can help you determine what your possible settlement might be for your individual case.

What Can I Do if My Ovarian Cancer or Mesothelioma Is a Result of Talcum Powder?

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, and believe it is a result of talcum powder, you may have the right to receive compensation for your injury. The following information can help you with understanding your next steps.

Make sure to follow all appropriate medical treatments that are given to you by your doctor as your health is a priority. Make sure to document all of your medical bills, medical care, and your pain and suffering. Having a complete medical record can help establish a strong case for a talcum powder lawsuit.

Next, you should record and save all the information that you can regarding any talcum powder exposure throughout your life. If you can document how long you used or were exposed to talcum powder throughout the course of your life, this can help build your case. If you have receipts of purchase or any type of record that would show that you used talcum powder products for any period of time, it can help create a solid foundation to build your case that your ovarian cancer or mesothelioma was a result of talcum powder.

After receiving appropriate medical care, your next step would be to visit with an attorney that can help you build a strong case if your ovarian cancer or mesothelioma is a result of talcum powder.

What Else Is Talcum Powder Used For?

What Is Talcum Powder Used For?

As recently as 2018, investigations revealed asbestos found in kids’ makeup at Claire’s retail stores, with 2,220 locations across the United States. The Environmental Working Group, which is a not-for-profit advocacy group that deals with environmental health issues, has created a searchable database for unsafe personal care products. This database has ingredient information for over 73,000 health and beauty products to help you determine if your products contain talc or talcum powder.

Talcum powder is also used in basketball to keep player’s hands dry, as tailor’s chalk, as a food additive in chewing gum, in the processing of white rice, in medicine as a pleurodesis agent to prevent pleural effusion, and as an additive in the ceramics industry to make finished pieces appear whiter. Talcum powder can be used as a filler in the manufacturing of paper, as a lubricant, and to coat the inside of rubber gloves and inner tubes to prevent any sticking surfaces. While these uses are much less common, it is clear that there is a wide variety of uses for talc and talcum powder.

Is Talc the Same as Talcum Powder?

Is Talc the Same as Talcum Powder?

Talcum powder gets its name because it is talc, but in a refined, powdered form.

Talc is an actual mineral taken from the ground. This mineral is composed of the three elements oxygen, silicon, and magnesium. Officially, the chemical name for talc is a hydrous magnesium silicate.

Talc and talcum powder are from the same element. Talcum powder is simply the refined, powdery form of the element taken from the Earth. You can essentially call talc the same as talcum powder when you are considering the health effects.

Is Talc-Free Powder Safe?

Is Talc-Free Powder Safe?

While there is no definitive answer about whether talc-free powder is safe to use, most of the ingredients in talc-free powder are safe. Some of the alternatives to talc-containing powders include those made with cornstarch, kaolin clay, bentonite clay, tapioca starch, arrowroot, and baking soda. Because many of these are food-grade ingredients, they will not contain asbestos.

While science has not proven whether talc-free powder is safe or dangerous, talc-free powder is typically lighter, less cakey, gentle to sensitive skin, and gives you peace of mind regarding potentially using a carcinogen. When it comes to making a decision about your health, you should always err on the side of caution. We recommend that you speak with your doctor if you are concerned about the safety of using a talc-free powder. If you currently use talc-based powder, we recommend you stop use immediately.

Is Talc Dangerous to Use?

Research has not definitively confirmed whether talc, in of itself, is dangerous to use. The evidence is slightly conflicting, and official health organizations are taking different stands. The International Agency for Research on Cancer takes the position that talcum powder, when applied to the perineum, is “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” The United States Food and Drug Administration does not have a stand on the issue, but the European Union has completely banned talc in all beauty and health products, calling talc dangerous to use. The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies talc containing asbestos as “carcinogenic to humans.”

There is no definitive answer to whether talc is dangerous to use, but it is best to be cautious. Inhaling talc may cause respiratory issues if it enters the lungs, especially in newborns. Placing talc near your genitals could cause an increased risk for ovarian cancer due to possible asbestos contamination.

Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for Help with a Talcum Powder Lawsuit

Call (800) 794-0444 today for a free consultation about a talcum powder lawsuit if you or a loved one developed ovarian cancer and have a history of talcum powder use.

Talcum Powder News

On Tuesday, May 23, 2020, an appeals court in the state of Missouri upheld the verdict that use of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) baby powder products caused ovarian cancer in 22 women. The court reduced the company’s damages by over half the original amount, dropping from $4.69 billion to $2.1 billion.

The original verdict in 2018 ordering J&J to pay $4.69 billion in damages was the largest verdict against the company to date and one of the top ten largest verdicts in American legal history.

J&J argued that a majority of the original plaintiffs were not Missouri residents and should not be awarded damages, and while the court threw out awards for two of the plaintiffs that were from out of state, the other women who were not Missouri residents will still be awarded damages. The court ruled that because these women used a particular J&J product that was produced in Union, Missouri, they had proper causation for suing the state even though they were not residents.

Over half of the original plaintiffs from this particular case have already died from ovarian cancer, some even before the original verdict in 2018. Still, Johnson & Johnson insisted that evidence was not strong enough to tie the cancer diagnosis to the use their baby powder products. The court, however, rejected this claim.

Despite the company’s argument that the original trial in 2018 was flawed and based on inaccurate presentation of facts, they recalled over 30,000 bottles of baby powder in 2019. This recall was issued out of precaution after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found traces of asbestos in one bottle of J&J baby powder. When the company conducted similar tests on their products, however, they found no such contamination.

While J&J insists that their talc-based products are safe to use, the demand for their baby powder has significantly decreased due to safety concerns. As a result, the company will stop selling any products containing talcum powder.

Since the initial discovery that this product could cause ovarian cancer in women in 2016, Johnson & Johnson has faced over 100,00 lawsuits over these claims including thousands of lawsuits that are still pending against the company in federal and state courts.

Although this link between J&J talc-products and ovarian cancer was discovered in the past five years, the company has a lengthy history of recalls and litigation. From Tylenol recalls to risky vaginal mesh implants to talc-related ovarian claims, Johnson & Johnson has trudged through decades of litigation due to neglect and oversight. While the company may appear to be a legal force to go up against, the talcum powder lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will get justice for women who trusted Johnson & Johnson to provide safe products but resulted in a life-threatening disease.

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