What are the Dangers Associated with Baby Powder?
Back in the 1890s, scientists developed baby powder. This powder contained a soft mineral known as talc, and a scent that most of us remember fondly. By the 1930s, talcum powder dusted on surgical gloves was linked to human harm, after leading to inflammation of the abdominal organs during peritonitis surgeries. By 1971, researchers were finding talc fibers deeply embedded in ovarian and cervical tumors. This means that 50 years ago, it was found that when talcum powder was used for feminine hygiene purposes, the talc fibers were able to migrate to the cervix and ovaries, causing inflammation, and, in some cases, cancer.
By the 1980s, scientists definitively stated that women using talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes had double the risk of ovarian cancer, and by 1992, it was found that women who applied talc powder to their sanitary napkins significantly increased their risk of ovarian cancer. Interestingly, by the 90s, most other manufacturers of powders containing talc had substituted cornstarch for the talc as a safety measure. Although Johnson & Johnson also manufactured a powder that used cornstarch in lieu of talc, they continued marketing their baby powder with talc, and Shower to Shower with talc.
Where Does the Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Litigation in Anchorage, Alaska Stand?
Today, it is estimated there are as many as 20,000 lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson from women who developed baby powder ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson baby powder with talc. The first lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson for talc-related ovarian cancer was filed in 2009. Since then there have been a number of wins on the part of plaintiffs who filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, with many of these awards in the multi-millions of dollars. Of course, J & J has appealed most of these awards, still maintaining strongly that their baby powder with talc is safe and does not cause ovarian cancer.
In Anchorage, Alaska—as in all states—Johnson & Johnson baby powder with talc has been a trusted Alaska household name, however over the years, J & J has been forced to issue a number of recalls for some of their most trusted products. Women and the loved ones of Anchorage, Alaska women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after a history of using talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes may be entitled to compensation via an Alaska baby powder cancer lawsuit.
One of the prior lawsuits against J & J found the pharmaceutical giant guilty of conspiracy and negligence for failure to warn women of the known risks associated with talcum powder. One baby powder ovarian cancer expert, Dr. Daniel Cramer, estimates there are as many as 10,000 women who die each year in the U.S. as a direct result of ovarian cancer caused by dusting with talcum powder in the perineal area.
Has Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder with Talc Been Recalled in the United States?
Johnson & Johnson announced on May 19th, 2020, that they would discontinue manufacturing their talc-based baby powder in the United States and Canada. Even though J & J is discontinuing the iconic product, they maintain it is safe for women to use, attributing the discontinuation of baby powder with talc to a decline in sales due to “…changes in consumer habits and fueled by misinformation around the safety of the product and the constant barrage of litigation advertising.”
Have the Statutes of Limitations Passed for My Anchorage, Alaska Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Case?
The statutes of limitations dictate the amount of time an individual has to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer of a dangerous or defective product. Each state sets its own statues of limitations, which can range from one year to more than eight.
These statutes of limitations can be impacted by a variety of issues. One of those issues is whether the individual died as a result of the dangerous or defective product, and whether the deceased was aware of what caused his or her illness and subsequent death.
It is extremely important that women who believe their diagnosis of ovarian cancer is directly related to the use of J & J baby powder with talc speak to a qualified talcum powder ovarian cancer lawyer who can assess the unique facts associated with your Anchorage, Alaska baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit.
How Could Consulting with an Anchorage, Alaska Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyer Be Beneficial?
If you have been diagnosed with baby powder ovarian cancer, you could potentially benefit from a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit. A highly experienced talcum powder ovarian cancer lawyer can thoroughly assess the facts of your unique situation, then help you determine whether a baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit is in your best interests. If you used J & J baby powder with talc or Shower to Shower with talc in the perineal area for a significant length of time, then developed ovarian cancer, contact the experienced Houston law firm of Sullo & Sullo.