Is Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder with Talc Harmful?
It’s hard to imagine that something as innocuous as baby powder could possibly be harmful to humans. After all, the smell of baby powder is among the top ten most recognizable smells in the United States. Despite this, we knew of the potential dangers of talcum powder as far back as the 1930s. Surgeons at that time who operated on peritonitis patients used talcum powder to dust their surgical gloves. Later, the same patients developed inflammation in their abdominal cavities from talc fibers left behind.
In 1971, a British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology study discovered talc particles in 75 percent of ovarian tumors. In 1975, an internal memo acknowledged a problematic link between the use of talcum powder for feminine hygiene and ovarian cancer. While never admitting talcum powder could be unsafe, J & J did begin testing baby powders with cornstarch as a replacement for talc.
Around this time most other powder manufacturers began replacing the talc in their powders with cornstarch, and while J & J did market a cornstarch-based powder, it continued sales of baby powder with talc and Shower to Shower with talc. In 1982, the Cramer Study became the first case-control study to link the perineal use of talc with ovarian cancer, concluding women have a 92 percent increased risk of ovarian cancer when using talc for feminine hygiene.
Where Does the Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Litigation in Minneapolis, Minnesota Stand?
J & J has faced a barrage of lawsuits over the past decade, with about 20,000 lawsuits currently pending. In 2009, the first lawsuit against J & J was filed. While a jury found in favor of the plaintiff, she received no financial award. Since that first lawsuit, a number of women were successful in their lawsuits, with awards in the millions and more.
A 2018 lawsuit filed by 22 women was also successful, with a huge award. Johnson & Johnson appealed every one of these decisions, but this June, the 2018 award was upheld by a Missouri Appeals Court. J & J has said they will take the appeal to the Supreme Court. Many of the current baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson were filed by women in the state of Minnesota, as well as across the nation.
Has J & J Baby Powder with Talc Been Recalled in the U.S.?
While the FDA has declined to recall Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based product, stating their control does not extend to beauty products, the company discontinued the sales of their talc-based products in May 2020. While still maintaining the safety of their talc-based products, J & J said the decision to discontinue talc-based products in the U.S. and Canada was due to a decline in sales, which was due to the “constant barrage of litigation…”
Have the Statutes of Limitations Passed for My Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Case?
Product liability claims—as well as personal injury claims—have a specific window of time in which a consumer can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. This window of time is known as the statutes of limitations, and while these statutes vary from state to state, they can be significantly impacted by a number of issues. Because of this, it is a good idea to contact an experienced talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney who can comprehensively assess the facts of your Minneapolis, Minnesota case.
How Could Consulting with a Minneapolis, Minnesota Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyer Be Beneficial?
Perhaps you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes. If so, you may be entitled to damages for your injuries, including your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Speaking to a Sullo & Sullo talcum powder ovarian cancer lawyer can be extremely beneficial, helping you determine whether filing a lawsuit is right for you and for your future.