What are the Dangers of Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer?

Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder with talc was developed by scientists in the 1890s, yet as early as the 1930s, talc fibers were found to cause inflammation in the abdominal regions of patients who had undergone peritonitis surgeries after surgeons dusted their surgical gloves with talcum powder prior to surgery. Dr. Daniel Cramer is a specialist in the connection between ovarian cancer and talc fibers. Not only has Cramer written papers on the subject, he has also testified on behalf of plaintiffs during J & J trials.  

In the conclusion of one of his papers, Cramer noted that talc is a potential inflammatory agent which can reach the upper genital tract, “disrupting mucin immunity,” and that talc is carcinogenic, enhancing ovarian tumor development. In the year 2000, scientists with the National Toxicology Program voted 13-2 to list talc, when used for feminine hygiene, as a potential human carcinogen but were persuaded to defer an official decision on the dangers of talc.

In 2006, the IARC declared the perineal use of talcum powder as “possibly carcinogenic,” citing a modest but “unusually consistent excess in risk.” At that time, the company selling talc to Johnson & Johnson added a warning on the safety data sheet included with the bags of talc which stated perineal use of talcum powder was a possible risk factor for ovarian cancer.

Where Does the Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Litigation in Salt Lake City, Utah Stand?

Beginning in 2009, Johnson & Johnson has faced one lawsuit after another and is currently facing 20,000 pending lawsuits from women who developed ovarian cancer after using J & J talc-based products for feminine hygiene. Some of the women are from Utah, while others are in other cities and states in the United States. A number of women have obtained substantial awards in baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuits, with one of the largest monetary awards in the billions in 2018. Johnson & Johnson has appealed each verdict, however, a Missouri Appeals Court recently upheld the 2018 verdict. Johnson & Johnson has said they will appeal the case to the Supreme Court.

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

While no recall of J & J’s talc-based products has been issued, the company made the decision to discontinue sales of their baby powder with talc and Shower to Shower with talc in the United States and Canada. Even so, the company continues to maintain its talc-based products are safe and do not cause ovarian cancer. J & J sold their iconic baby powder for almost 130 years before pulling the product due to poor sales. The company believes the drop in sales was the result of the litigation they have faced over the past decade.

Have the Statutes of Limitations Passed for My Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Case?

The statutes of limitations refer to the amount of time you have to file a product liability lawsuit after being harmed by a dangerous or defective product. The statutes of limitations are set by each state, but it is important to remember that the statutes can be impacted by many different issues. Having a highly qualified baby powder ovarian cancer lawyer on your side can help you comprehensively assess the facts of your Salt Lake City, Utah case. When all your questions have been answered, you can better determine whether you would benefit from filing a baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson.

How Could Consulting with a Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyer Affect Your Salt Lake City, Utah Claim?

You could have a claim against Johnson & Johnson if you have been diagnosed with baby powder ovarian cancer. An experienced talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney from Sullo & Sullo can help you get the treatment you need for your health, then we will help you obtain compensation for your injuries. You have enough to deal with after a diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer—we will pursue damages on your behalf from Johnson & Johnson.