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

Most of us tend to equate the smell of baby powder with trust. After all, how could a product as innocent as baby powder be harmful? Unfortunately, the 20,000 lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson tell a different story. Johnson & Johnson researchers developed baby powder with talc in the 1890s. By the early 1930s, there was some indication that the talc fibers in the baby powder could potentially be dangerous. Surgeons dusted their surgical gloves with talcum powder prior to performing peritonitis surgeries, then later found the talc fibers caused significant inflammation in the abdominal region and surrounding organs. Inflammation is a known risk for cancer—a fact that was proven many more times in the coming years.

Researchers found talc fibers deeply embedded in removed ovarian and cervical tumors in 1971; based on this, most other companies that sold talcum powder changed over to cornstarch to reduce any risks associated with talc. While Johnson & Johnson also developed a cornstarch product, they continued selling J & J baby powder with talc and Shower to Shower with talc, even stepping up their advertising on those products. By 1985, J & J estimated that at least 70 percent of their baby powder with talc and Shower to Shower with talc were being used by adults, with a 1988 ad for the powder stating “Your body perspires in more places than just under your arms.” It seems clear that J & J was specifically targeting their ads to women to be used for feminine hygiene purposes despite potential dangers.

Where Does the Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Litigation in Portland, Oregon Stand?

Deane Berg filed the first baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson in 2009. The company offered her a substantial settlement, with the stipulation that it would remain confidential. Berg believed all women should know about the potential dangers of J & J talc-based products, so chose to litigate her case.

Although a jury found in her favor, she was awarded no monetary damages. Following Berg’s case, several more have been tried, with J & J coming out on the losing end of many of those lawsuits. Because it is a huge corporation, however, J & J has kept the settlements tied up in appeals.

In 2018, 22 women who filed a joint claim against J & J for baby powder ovarian cancer received a huge award. Although J & J appealed that decision, it was upheld in June 2020, by a Missouri Appeals Court, (with the punitive portion of the settlement cut in half). Many of the pending baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuits have been filed by women in the state of Oregon.

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

Despite the fact that the IARC declared talc as “possibly carcinogenic” in 2006, the FDA has not recalled any talc-based products. That being said, the company that sold talc to J & J did add a warning on their safety data sheet that stated when talcum powder was used for feminine hygiene purposes there was the potential risk of ovarian cancer. Yet it was not until May 2020 that Johnson & Johnson finally announced they would no longer be selling their talc-based products in the United States and Canada. A J & J spokesperson attributed the move to the “barrage of lawsuits,” which had caused a slowdown of sales.

Have the Statutes of Limitations Passed for My Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Claim in Portland, Oregon?

A baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit might be the right choice for you if you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using J & J’s baby powder with talc or Shower to Shower with talc. The statutes of limitations are important in product liability and personal injury claims as they govern the amount of time you have in which to file a lawsuit. These statutes vary from state to state and can be impacted by a number of issues, so it is important to speak to an experienced product liability attorney.

How Could Consulting with a Portland, Oregon Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyer Be Beneficial?

Receiving a diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer after using J & J talc-based powders for feminine hygiene purposes can be devastating. You could potentially benefit from speaking to an experienced Houston talcum powder ovarian cancer lawyer from Sullo & Sullo. We will answer all your questions, helping you determine the best way to move forward.