What are the Dangers of Baby Powder with Talc?

The first accounts of harmful effects of talc on humans were recorded in the 1930s when surgeons who dusted their surgical gloves with talcum powder found later that tiny talc particles remained in the abdominal cavities of peritonitis patients, causing significant levels of inflammation. In 1971, the British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology study discovered talc particles in 75 percent of ovarian tumors.  By 1975, an internal Johnson & Johnson memo acknowledged a “problematic” link between the use of baby powder with talc for feminine hygiene and ovarian cancer.

At that time, there was talk of banning talcum powder, so J & J began testing baby powder made with cornstarch. Talcum powder was not banned, yet most other powder manufacturers removed talc from their products, replacing it with a safer alternative, cornstarch. J & J continued selling their baby powder with talc and Shower to Shower with talc, and in 2018, the iconic baby powder with talc brought in more than $418 million In 1982, the “Cramer Study” became the first case-control study to link genital talc use with ovarian cancer. The study concluded that women could have a vastly increased risk of ovarian cancer when using talcum powder in the perineal region.

Where Does the Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Litigation in Seattle, Washington Stand?

The lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson began in 2009 and will be taking place for a very long time, with more than 20,000 lawsuits stacked up against the pharmaceutical giant.  Since the first lawsuit, a number of women have obtained substantial awards in baby powder ovarian cancer trials. In 2018, there was a verdict in favor of 22 plaintiffs that numbered in the billions. Although J & J has appealed every verdict, a Missouri Appeals Court recently upheld this particular verdict. Many of the current lawsuits against J & J for baby powder ovarian cancer were filed by women who live in Washington.  

Has J & J Baby Powder with Talc Been Recalled in the U.S.?

The U.S. FDA has little control over cosmetics and personal products, therefore, has refused to recall J & J’s talc-based products. The company has never stopped asserting their talc-based products are safe. Despite these assertions, after selling J & J baby powder with talc for roughly 130 years, J & J recently made the decision to discontinue sales of all their talc-based products in the United States and Canada. According to a J & J spokesperson, this decision was based on a decline in sales resulting from the litigation the company has faced and still faces.

Have the Statutes of Limitations Passed for My Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Case?

Statutes of limitations refer to the amount of time an individual has to file a product liability lawsuit or personal injury lawsuit. The statutes of limitations vary from state to state, however, even if you believe your statutes may have passed, it is important to remember that these statutes can be impacted by a number of issues. A highly qualified talcum powder ovarian cancer lawyer can assess the unique facts of your Seattle, Washington case, helping you determine whether you could benefit from filing a baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit.

How Could Consulting with a Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyer Regarding Your Seattle, Washington Case Be Beneficial?

If you have been diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer after using J & J talc-based products for feminine hygiene, you may have a claim against Johnson & Johnson. An experienced talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney can assess the facts surrounding your diagnosis, helping you determine whether a lawsuit is right for you, and what your damages might be. If you have developed epithelial ovarian cancer after using talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes, contact the Houston law firm of Sullo & Sullo, and speak to a highly experienced baby powder ovarian cancer attorney.