Are There Dangers Associated with Baby Powder with Talc?
Baby powder was first developed in the 1890s by J & J scientists. The powder was made with a soft mineral known as talc, which is found in metamorphic rocks on the eastern side of the Appalachian Mountains, as well as some terrains in Washington, Idaho, Montana, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. Most all of us have fond memories of the distinctive smell of baby powder, and, in fact, the scent of J & J baby powder with talc is among the top ten most recognizable smells in the U.S.
As early as the 1930s, patients of surgeons who used talcum powder dust on their surgical gloves were found to have inflammation of the abdominal organs following peritonitis surgery. Decades later, researchers found talc fibers deeply embedded in ovarian and cervical tumors that had been removed. This means that as far back as 50 years, researchers were aware that women who used talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes could later be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, after the fibers migrated to the cervix and ovaries, causing significant levels of inflammation.
Women often used talcum powder to dust their sanitary napkins, or to sprinkle in their underwear, unaware that doing so could significantly increase their risk of ovarian cancer. Interestingly, by the 90s, most manufacturers had switched over from using talc in their powder products, choosing cornstarch instead, for safety reasons. While J & J also manufactured a cornstarch powder during this time, the company continued to sell their J & J baby powder with talc, as well as their Shower to Shower powder with talc, even targeting their advertising efforts toward specific demographics of women.
Where Does the Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Litigation in Washington, DC Stand?
There are as many as 20,000 lawsuits currently against Johnson & Johnson, both from women who developed baby powder ovarian cancer from the talc, as well as those who believe J & J talcum powder also contained asbestos fibers—a known cause of cancer. The first talc-related ovarian cancer lawsuit was filed in 2009; since that time, plaintiffs in these cases have won some very significant awards—in the double-digit millions, and even billions for a group of 22 women. J & J has consistently appealed each of these awards. While most of them are still in the appeals process, a Missouri Appeals Court upheld the billion-dollar award to the 22 women, although the punitive portion of the award was reduced. Johnson & Johnson has vowed to take their appeal to the Supreme Court.
Johnson & Johnson has long been a trusted household name, in Washington, DC, and across the nation. Women and their loved ones who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after a long history of using J & J talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes may be entitled to compensation for a Washington, DC baby powder cancer lawsuit. One of the prior lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson found the pharmaceutical company guilty of negligence, as well as conspiracy for failure to warn. Women who used J & J talcum powder for a significant number of years were unaware of the risks they were being exposed to. As many as 10,000 women who die each year from ovarian cancer likely used J & J talcum powder in their perineal area for a number of years, according to specialist, Dr. Daniel Cramer. Washington, DC consumers harmed by J & J baby powder have the right to file their own lawsuit.
Has Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder with Talc Been Recalled in the United States?
On May 19th, 2020, J & J announced they would discontinue the manufacture of their talc-based products in the United States and Canada. Despite the fact that J & J is discontinuing their iconic product, they continue to maintain that the talc-based products are safe for women to use. The company attributes their pulling of the talcum powders to the fact that they have suffered a decline in sales due to “misinformation” regarding the safety of the product, as well as the constant barrage of litigation.
Have the Statutes of Limitations Passed for My Washington, DC Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Case?
Statutes of limitations determine the amount of time a plaintiff has in which to file a product liability lawsuit after being injured by a dangerous or defective product. Each state sets its own statutes of limitations, but these statutes can be impacted by a wide variety of issues. It is imperative that a woman who believes her diagnosis of ovarian cancer is directly related to the use of J & J baby powder with talc, speak directly to a qualified talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney who can assess the facts of the case and answer any questions.
How Could Consulting with a Washington, DC Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyer Be Beneficial?
If you have been diagnosed with baby powder ovarian cancer, you could potentially benefit from a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit. A highly experienced talcum powder ovarian cancer lawyer from the Houston law firm of Sullo & Sullo can thoroughly assess the facts of your unique situation, then help you determine whether a baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit is in your best interests.