April 21, 2023 - With thousands of baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuits currently filed against Johnson & Johnson—and several large lawsuit losses for J & J over the past two years—women across the country may now be wondering whether their use of baby powder with talc for feminine hygiene purposes could potentially harm their health. Years prior to these lawsuits, Dr. Daniel Cramer studied talc extensively, noting that talc is a potential inflammatory agent which can reach the upper genital tract, “disrupting mucin immunity.” Cramer further stated that talc is carcinogenic and can enhance the development of ovarian tumors.
In 2000, scientists with the National Toxicology Program voted 13-2 to list talc, when used for feminine hygiene purposes, as a potential human carcinogen. The scientists were subsequently persuaded to defer this official decision on the dangers of talc, yet in 2006 the IARC declared the perineal use of talcum powder “possibly carcinogenic.” At that time, the company which sells talc to Johnson & Johnson added their own warning on the safety data sheet included with the bags of talc which stated the perineal use of talcum powder was a potential risk factor for ovarian cancer.
Do Some Occupations Pose an Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer? Since J & J has been placed on the defensive with the numerous lawsuits, their strategy has largely been to show that women who have developed ovarian cancer after using baby powder with talc have other risk factors in their lives. One of those risk factors is occupational exposure. A 2004 study looked at industrial workers and their potential exposure to talc while working. This study also looked at other carcinogens in the workplace, home exposure due to a spouse or partner’s work, and personal hygiene use of talc.
Forty-six cases of ovarian cancer from workers in industrial jobs were compared to 184 controls who worked in similar industrial jobs but did not have ovarian cancer. The results of the study seemed to blame asbestos more than talc as far as risk of ovarian cancer, however the study was small and only compared women with extraordinary risks outside of the normal population. Women typically exposed to ovarian cancer risks through talc in their workplace would include paper mill workers, sulfite mill workers, cosmetic industry workers, rubber industry workers and stock preparation workers. There have been no recent studies which linked certain occupations to an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
How Can Personal Injury Attorney Help with Your Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit? If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson baby powder with talc or Shower to Shower talc powder, it could be very beneficial for you to speak to an experienced baby powder ovarian cancer lawyer. Because there are statutes of limitations associated with product liability claims, it is essential that your claim be properly preserved. A well qualified baby powder ovarian cancer attorney can ensure your claim is filed in a timely manner, investigate the facts surrounding your claim, and preserve your claim in anticipation of a baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit. You may be entitled to compensation for your talcum powder ovarian cancer and a well-qualified baby powder ovarian cancer lawyer will work hard on your behalf for the best outcome possible.