Leading the Charge: Talcum Powder Litigation
For more than a century, Johnson & Johnson marketed its talc based Johnson’s Baby Powder & Shower to Shower as safe, even for infants. Many women grew up using the product not only to care for their babies, but also for their own personal hygiene.
What Johnson & Johnson wasn’t telling women is that it was aware of studies from as early as the 1960s that were drawing a concerning link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer.
Beasley Allen became involved in the talcum powder litigation after several epidemiological studies were published showing the association between genital talc use and ovarian cancer. Since that time, Beasley Allen lawyers have spent the last 10 years trying these cases all over the country.
Relentless pursuit of justice has led to landmark verdicts, compelling Johnson & Johnson to face responsibility with jury-awarded damages totaling over $724 million, and resulting in J&J ceasing sale of Baby Powder throughout the world.
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Andy Birchfield Mass Torts Section Head Montgomery, AL -
Leigh O’Dell Principal Montgomery, AL -
Ted Meadows Principal Montgomery, AL
What is Talcum Powder?
Talcum powder is made from talc, a naturally occurring mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. It was the primary ingredient in talc based Baby Powder & Shower To Shower. Talc is known for its softness and smoothness, making it a popular ingredient in cosmetics, deodorants, and other personal care products.
Both fibrous talc and asbestos are recognized carcinogens and have been detected in many body powder products. Exposure to these substances can result in severe health problems, including ovarian cancer. In recent years, asbestos has been banned in over 60 countries due to its hazardous nature.
Talcum Powder’s Cancer Connection
A new study strengthens the evidence that using talc, especially in intimate care products during one’s twenties and thirties, increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Previous research suggested a link but was often questioned due to reliance on people’s memory of their talc use. This new study addresses those concerns and still finds a strong connection between genital talc use and ovarian cancer.
The Sister Study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, supports the claims of over 57,000 lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, alleging their talc-based baby powder caused ovarian cancer. Despite these findings, Johnson & Johnson maintains that their baby powder is safe and does not cause cancer.
Past Studies & Statistics:
- In the 1960s, researchers identified a potential link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, noting that some talcum powders contained asbestos. By 1971, talc was observed in human ovarian cancers.
- A significant 1982 study first linked genital talcum powder use to ovarian cancer. Since then, numerous studies have confirmed this risk.
- In 2016, University of Virginia researchers found that African American women using talcum powder for feminine hygiene had a 40% higher risk of developing cancer.
- In 2022 a systematic review and meta-analysis found a 31-65% increased risk of ovarian cancer associated with frequent perineal or genital powder use among the 66,876 study participants.
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