Are There Dangers Associated with Talcum Powder?
Although baby powder seems like the most innocent of products, there can be significant dangers associated with the use of talc-based products—particularly when used by women for feminine hygiene purposes. Baby powder has been around for almost130 years; by the 1930s, it was found that when talcum powder was dusted on surgical gloves, inflammation of the abdominal organs during peritonitis surgeries occurred. Since inflammation has been tied to cancer, this was a concern. By 1971, researchers found talc fibers deeply embedded in cervical and ovarian tumors removed from women with the diseases.
By the 1980s and 90s, scientists had definitively found that women using talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes had twice the risk of developing ovarian cancer and that women who applied talcum powder to their sanitary napkins had a significant increase in ovarian cancer as well. Because of this research, most other manufacturers of talcum powder replaced the talc in their powders with cornstarch. Although J & J also manufactured a cornstarch product, the company continued selling its talc-based products as well, with their baby powder with talc making $418 million for the company in 2018.
Where Does the Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Litigation in Charleston, West Virginia Stand?
It is estimated that as many as 20,000 lawsuits against J & J have been filed by women who have developed ovarian cancer after using J & J’s talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes. There have been numerous lawsuits against J & J that have already gone to trial. Many of these lawsuits were found in favor of the plaintiffs, with the awards being in the millions—and even billions in one case that included 22 women. As expected, J & J has appealed the decisions.
In Charleston, West Virginia—as in all states—Johnson & Johnson baby powder with talc has been a trusted household name, but over the years, the company has been forced to issue a number of recalls for some of their most trusted products. If you or a loved one in West Virginia have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using J & J baby powder with talc for feminine hygiene, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Has Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder with Talc Been Recalled in the United States?
While the FDA has not recalled J & J’s baby powder with talc (the agency has little control over cosmetics and health products), the company made an announcement on May 19th, 2020, that they would discontinue their talc-based baby powder sales in the United States and Canada. Even though J & J has discontinued sales of their talc-based products, they continue to maintain the product is safe. The explanation offered by J & J for the discontinuation of their talc-based products is “changes in consumer habits,” and misinformation regarding the safety of the product as well as the “constant barrage of litigation.”
Have the Statutes of Limitations Passed for My Charleston, West Virginia Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Case?
The statutes of limitations are the time limits that govern filing a product liability claim for a dangerous or defective product. These statutes of limitations are set by the individual states and can range from one year to more than ten. The statutes of limitations in your state can be impacted by a number of issues. Because of this, it is very important that you speak to a qualified talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney who can help you determine whether a baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit is right for you.
How Could Consulting with a Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyer for Your Charleston, West Virginia Claim Be Beneficial?
If you have received a diagnosis of baby powder ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder with talc or Shower to Shower with talc, you could potentially benefit from a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit. An experienced talcum powder ovarian cancer lawyer from Sullo & Sullo can help you determine whether a lawsuit is right for you, your health, your future, and your family.