What are the Dangers Associated with Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder with Talc?

Baby powder was developed by J & J scientists in the 1890s. It was not until the 1930s that the first hint there could be problems associated with talc fibers was known. Surgeons who dusted their surgical gloves with talcum powder prior to performing peritonitis surgeries found later the talc fibers left behind in the bodies of patients caused significant inflammation in the abdominal region. In 1971, researchers found talc fibers embedded in removed ovarian and cervical tumors. Once this information became public, most other companies that sold talcum powder, replaced the talc with cornstarch in an effort to keep consumers safe. Johnson & Johnson continued manufacturing and selling their baby powder with talc and Shower to Shower with talc for almost another century.

In 1992, researchers found that the frequent application of talcum powder to a female’s genital area significantly increased the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer. In 1993, The National Toxicology Program reported that cosmetic talc caused tumors in animals, even when there were no asbestos fibers found in the talc. By 2003, Anticancer Research Journal published a large-scale review which found a 33 percent increased risk of ovarian cancer among women who used talcum powder in the perineal region for the long-term. Other research also points to talcum powder being a significant factor in the development of ovarian cancer.

Where Does the Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Litigation in Fargo, North Dakota Stand?

While the first lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson was not filed until 2009, a literal barrage of lawsuits followed. Deane Berg filed the first lawsuit against J & J; after refusing a confidential settlement amount, she chose to go to court in an effort to let other women know just how dangerous talcum powder could be. Berg was 49 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which is a particularly deadly cancer as it is rarely found in the early stages. While Berg won her lawsuit, the jury awarded no monetary damages.

Many other women brought their lawsuits against J & J in the next decade; while many of them won substantial awards, J & J appealed every decision that was not in their favor, including a 2018 decision that award an enormous amount to 22 women who brought the suit against the pharmaceutical company. That decision was upheld in June 2020 by a Missouri Appeals Court, although the punitive award portion was significantly diminished. 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 North Dakota.

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. That being said, the agency actually has little authority over beauty 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 their talc-based 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 Fargo, North Dakota?

If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder with talc or Shower to Shower with talc for feminine hygiene, you may be entitled to compensation from the company for your injuries.  The statutes of limitations are an important consideration in product liability and personal injury claims. These statutes of limitation govern the amount of time a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of a dangerous or defective product and vary from state to state. It is important to note that the statutes can be impacted by a number of issues, therefore, you should always speak with an experienced product liability lawyer to determine where you stand and to receive a comprehensive assessment of your Fargo, North Dakota baby powder ovarian cancer claim.  

How Could Consulting with a Fargo, North Dakota Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyer Be Beneficial?

Speaking to a knowledgeable attorney could be the most beneficial thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones and can be an important step for your future. The baby powder ovarian cancer lawyers from Sullo & Sullo can assess the facts of your case, answer all your questions, and help you determine whether filing a lawsuit is right for you.