What are the Dangers of Baby Powder with Talc?  

Most adults are familiar with Johnson & Johnson baby powder with talc. The smell of J & J’s baby powder even ranks in the top ten of the most recognizable smells among those in the U.S. What might surprise you is to know that J & J baby powder with talc was first manufactured in the 1890s. The product took off in a big way, bringing in revenues of more than $400 million per year by 2018. Despite the fact that by the 1930s talc fibers were found to be harmful to humans, J & J continued selling their baby powder with talc for almost another century.

While J & J baby powder with talc was initially sold for babies, by 1965 J & J was specifically marketing the product to women, and by 1985, the pharmaceutical company estimated that at least 70 percent of the sales of baby powder with talc were being used by adult women. By 1988, a J & J ad stated, “a sprinkle a day helps keep odor away,” and another ad claimed, “Your body perspires in more places than just under your arms.” It was apparent that Johnson & Johnson was marketing their baby powder to adult women for feminine hygiene use rather than for babies.

The danger lies in the fact that talc is an inflammatory agent; when used in the perineal region, talc fibers can migrate up through the vagina, the uterus, and fallopian tubes, landing in the ovaries where they cause inflammation—a well-known factor in many types of cancers. In fact, in the 1970s, cervical and ovarian tumors removed from women who had died from ovarian or cervical cancer were examined and found to have talc fibers embedded deep within them. By 2006, the IARC declared the perineal use of talcum powder to be “possibly carcinogenic.”

Where Does the Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Litigation in Aurora, Illinois Stand?

The lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson by women who developed ovarian cancer after using J & J’s talc-based products began in 2009 and have shown no sign of letting up. There are currently more than 20,000 lawsuits filed against the company, who continues to assert their talc-based products are perfectly safe for women. Several of the cases which have been heard were decided in favor of the plaintiffs, with many of the awards being in the millions.

One of the cases, which was made up of 22 female plaintiffs who developed ovarian cancer, received a billion-dollar settlement. This particular case was appealed—like all those J & J did not win—and in June 2020 a Missouri Appeals Court upheld the award, although they decreased the punitive damage portion. Johnson & Johnson has said they will appeal the case to the Supreme Court. Many of the lawsuits have been filed by women in the state of Illinois, as well as by women across the country.

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

While there has been no recall mandated by the FDA, Johnson & Johnson very recently announced they would no longer sell their talc-based products in the United States and Canada. Despite this move, the company continues to assert the talc-based products are perfectly safe, attributing the move to a decline in sales fueled by the “constant barrage of litigation.” 

How Do the Statutes of Limitations Affect the Ability of Those in Aurora, Illinois to File a Claim?

If you believe you have a baby powder ovarian cancer claim against Johnson & Johnson, it is important that you understand the statutes of limitations. While these statutes dictate the amount of time you have to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer of a dangerous or defective product, there are a number of issues that can impact the statutes. Because of this, it is important to contact an experienced talcum powder ovarian cancer lawyer who can comprehensively assess the facts of your Aurora, Illinois case.  

How Could Consulting with a Aurora, Illinois Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyer Be Beneficial?

If you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer after using J & J for feminine hygiene purposes, you could be entitled to file a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit, receiving damages for your injuries. It could be very beneficial for you to speak to an experienced talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney from Sullo & Sullo. We will answer your questions, helping you determine whether a baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit is right for you.