What are the Dangers of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder with Talc

Most everyone in the United States can instantly recognize the smell of Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder with talc (it has been named as one of the top ten most recognizable smells). While J & J baby powder with talc was first developed in the 1890s, Johnson & Johnson began marketing to women as early as 1913, when their ads stated, “Best for Baby, Best for You.” Between 1965 and 1985, J & J ramped up their advertising toward adult women, with one ad stating “Your body perspires in more places than just under your arms,” and another that said “Want to feel cool, smooth and dry? It’s as easy as taking powder from a baby.”

In the late 1980s, Johnson & Johnson estimated that a full 70 percent of J & J baby powder with talc was being used by adults. During this time of stepped-up advertising to adult women, the results of several studies of the potential hazards of talcum powder found that when women use talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes, their risk of developing ovarian cancer increases exponentially. Alfred P. Wehner, a J & J toxicology consultant to the executives in the company stated in 1997, “Anybody who denies published research risks that the talc industry will be perceived by the public like it perceives the cigarette industry: denying the obvious in the face of all evidence to the contrary.”

Where Does the Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Litigation in Buffalo, New York Stand?

Deane Berg was the first woman to file a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson in 2009. Berg refused a confidential settlement from J & J, choosing to go to trial where a jury found in favor of Berg, but awarded her no money. In the coming decade, more and more women filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson. In the cases that were heard, many women were successful in their lawsuits, some receiving awards in the millions.

Of course, J & J appealed all the decisions, but in June 2020, a Missouri Appeals Court upheld one of the largest awards to 22 women. Currently, there are some 20,000 lawsuits pending against Johnson & Johnson by women who developed ovarian cancer after using J & J talc-based products in the perineal region. Many of these lawsuits were filed by women in New York, as well as by women across the nation.

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. The company who sold talc to Johnson & Johnson added a warning on their safety data sheet which stated the use of talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes was a risk factor for ovarian cancer. In May 2020, Johnson & Johnson announced they would discontinue sales of their talc-based products in the United States and Canada. While the company continues to maintain its talc products are safe, they attributed the move to the constant litigation they faced from women who believe their ovarian cancer was caused by the use of baby powder with talc.    

Have the Statutes of Limitations Passed for My Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Case In Buffalo, New York?

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. The statutes of limitations are an important consideration in product liability and personal injury claims because they govern the amount of time you have in which to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of a dangerous or defective product. While the statutes vary from state to state, they can be impacted by a number of issues, therefore, you should speak to a knowledgeable baby powder ovarian cancer lawyer who will comprehensively assess your Buffalo, New York claim. 

How Could Consulting with a Buffalo, New York Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyer Be Beneficial?

If you have received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer after using baby powder with talc or Shower to Shower with talc for a significant number of years, you could potentially benefit from speaking to a baby powder ovarian cancer attorney from Sullo and Sullo. Our lawyers will assess your claim, answer your questions, and help you determine whether filing a claim against Johnson & Johnson is the rights step for you and your future.