News & Events

Talcum Powder Lawsuits

Posted: September 9, 2016

General Information

Talcum powder is a common powder found in many households throughout the United States. It is commonly known as baby powder or talc powder and many people use it to absorb moisture and odor, keep skin dry, cut down on friction, and to help prevent and treat rashes. Not all forms of baby powder or body powder contain talc. However, talcum powder can also be found in other health and hygiene products including: body powders, foot powders, medicated powders, perfumed powders, deodorant powders, cosmetics, antiperspirants, perfumes, soaps, and sanitary and incontinence pads.

Recently, a jury in St. Louis awarded a family of a deceased plaintiff $72 million after finding that Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower body products contributed to the plaintiff’s development of ovarian cancer and her death. In another recent case, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $55 million to another plaintiff. The evidence in these cases proved that Johnson & Johnson failed to warn consumers of the risks associated with talcum powder when used for feminine hygiene. Allegations from the lawsuits indicate that, as far back as 1979, Johnson & Johnson may have known about the potential for women to develop ovarian cancer from using their products. Johnson and Johnson has appealed these verdicts.

Many women routinely use talcum powder products for personal hygiene; however, when used in this way, it may pose a serious and potentially life-threatening health concern. Manufacturers often target female consumers by marketing talcum powder as a way of staying cool, comfortable and free of vaginal odors, but routine use in this manner may have severe side effects.

Side effects of using talcum powder:

When talcum powder is applied to the genital area of women, particles from the powder can enter into the vagina and travel through the uterus and fallopian tubes, to the ovaries. Once inside it can take years to dissolve, and also cause inflammation. A number of studies over the years have linked talcum powder with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. A recent study has found that regular use of talc may cause a 20-30% greater risk of developing ovarian cancer.

At Yarborough Applegate Law Firm, we feel that you deserve information that may be relevant to your rights as a consumer. We want to alert you to a potential claim regarding talcum powder that you or someone you know may have. If you believe you or someone you know has used a talcum powder product and subsequently developed ovarian cancer, call our attorneys to discuss your potential course of action. All of our initial consultations are free and you may be entitled to compensation if your potential case and injuries meet certain criteria.

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