What are the Dangers of Talc-Based Powders?

Not only have most adults used Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder on their babies, most women have also used the powder on themselves as well. In fact, beginning in the mid-1960s, and continuing through the mid-1980s, Johnson & Johnson directly targeted their ads to women. In fact, it seems pretty clear that J & J marketed their baby powder with talc specifically for feminine hygiene use when their ad in 1988 stated, “Your body perspires in more places than just under your arms.” 

Despite this, it was known as early as the 1930s that talc-based products could potentially cause harm to human beings. Surgeons who dusted their surgical gloves with talcum powder prior to performing peritonitis surgeries found later the talc fibers left in the body caused significant inflammation in the abdominal region. Many different studies between 1971 and the late 1990s found that women who used Johnson & Johnson baby powder with talc or Shower to Shower with talc for feminine hygiene had as much as a 33 percent higher likelihood of developing ovarian cancer.   

Where Does the Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Litigation in Virginia Beach, Virginia Stand?

Johnson & Johnson has faced one lawsuit after another since the first baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit in 2009. Many of these lawsuits found in favor of the plaintiffs, however, J & J has appealed every verdict against the company. In 2018, 22 women who filed a joint case against J & J received an award in the billions.

While J & J also appealed that decision, it was upheld in June 2020 by a Missouri Appeals Court.  As of now, there are some 20,000 lawsuits pending against J & J by women who developed ovarian cancer after using J & J baby powder with talc for feminine hygiene purposes. Many of these lawsuits were filed by women in the state of Virginia.

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

As a potentially inflammatory agent which can reach the upper genital tract, and given that talc was, in 2006, declared “possibly carcinogenic,” by the IARC, it is curious that the FDA has not yet recalled talc-based products.  Johnson & Johnson announced in May 2020, that they would no longer be selling their talc-based products in the United States and Canada, although they continue to assert those products are safe. J & J attributed the move to the “constant barrage of litigation.”

Have the Statutes of Limitations Passed for My Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Case in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using J & J’s talc-based products you may have a baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit. It is important to speak to a knowledgeable baby powder ovarian cancer lawyer who can determine whether your window of time is still viable to file a J & J baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit. This window of time is known as the statutes of limitations. Statutes of limitations are an important consideration in product liability and personal injury claims.  It is important to remember that the statutes of limitations can be impacted by a number of issues, and only a qualified attorney can determine your eligibility.   

How Could Consulting with a Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyer Be Beneficial for your Virginia Beach, Virginia Claim?

Those who have received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer after using J & J talc-based powders for feminine hygiene purposes could benefit from speaking to an experienced Houston talcum powder ovarian cancer lawyer from Sullo & Sullo. We can answer your questions, helping you determine how to proceed.