Talcum Powder

Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral composed of magnesium, silicon, oxygen and hydrogen. Many cosmetics and personal care products contact talc, including talc based body powders. Many women use talcum powder on their inner thighs to prevent chafing, or on their genital areas to absorb moisture and odor.

If you used talcum powder products in the last few decades, you could be at risk of developing a life-threatening form of cancer known as mesothelioma and may need the help of an attorney. While talc itself is not dangerous, manufacturers may unintentionally create products with trace amounts of asbestos. Asbestos is a dangerous silicate material that the U.S. does not permit manufacturers to use in products after the 1989 Asbestos Ban and Phase Out Rule. Breathing in asbestos or ingesting it in other ways through use of talcum powder products could result in the formation of cancerous tumors.

Talcum powder use may lead to ovarian cancer

Although the American Cancer Society states that the research so far has been inconclusive, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies talcum powder as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Talcum powder may lead to cancer if the particles travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovaries.

In the U.S., over 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year

In the U.S., over 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year. Ovarian cancer strikes almost one in 70 women. Studies showing a higher rate of the disease with talc use have typically found an increased risk of about 35 percent-which would put the odds at one in 50.

According to the FDA the following are some of the personal hygiene products that contain talc: Johnson’s Baby Powder, Shower to Shower Morning Fresh Absorbent Baby Powder, Angel of Mine Baby Powder, Asured Shower & Bath Absorbent Body Powder, Family Dollar Mild Baby Powder, Anti Monkey Butt Powder and CVS Brand Baby Powder.

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At Murray Guari Trial Attorneys, our goal is to fight for justice by protecting accident victims and punishing intentional wrongdoing and negligence.

Asbestos and Talcum Powder Lawsuits

Although there has been no official study proving asbestos-contaminated talcum powder products cause cancer, there are thousands of pending lawsuits regarding talc products and its possible link to mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and other serious harm. These lawsuits and class actions claim that talcum powder manufacturers – namely Johnson & Johnson – negligently and knowingly permitted asbestos-contaminated talc products to reach the hands of the masses. In doing so, plaintiffs claim that Johnson & Johnson is legally responsible for subsequent cases of ovarian cancer and other talc-related issues.

According to the lawsuits (some of which have already ended in multimillion-dollar verdicts), the company knowingly failed to disclose the risk that its talcum powder products contain asbestos. Any amount of asbestos can prove harmful when ingested, as the particles can lodge themselves in the body’s tissues and form cancerous tumors over the course of decades. Johnson & Johnson responded by denying that its products contain any asbestos, and that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have not found talc to be a risk factor in causing cancer. Juries have so far held mixed verdicts on several separate talcum powder cases.

Potential Risks of Talcum Powder Products

If a talcum powder product does in fact contain any asbestos, it can put consumers at serious risk of terminal cancers. Even if a product does not contain asbestos, however, there is a possibility of the talc itself causing cancer. Talc is a mineral that contains silicon and magnesium. Products that commonly contain talc include baby powders, body powders, and cosmetics. Many women have used talcum powder products on their inner thighs and genital areas to absorb moisture and prevent chafing.
Talc is a potentially carcinogenic substance that could result in cancer if particles travel through the genitals and fallopian tubes and lodge in the ovaries. While the CDC still has not found conclusive evidence tying talc to cancer cases, many lawsuits regarding talcum powder have already achieved successful results. Talcum powder products might be responsible for ovarian cancer cases, making the manufacturers of these products liable for failing to foresee and/or prevent this risk. If you suspect talcum powder products could have caused your injuries, illness, or cancer, talk to an attorney right away.

What To Do if Talcum Powder Has Affected You

If a doctor recently diagnosed you with mesothelioma, it means you came into asbestos at some point in your life. In this case, you likely have grounds for a lawsuit against an old employer, product manufacturer, and/or other party. If you have ovarian cancer and have used talcum powder products in the past few decades, you might have the right to join lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson or another company for concealing the risk of cancer from its talcum powder product marketing.

Many class actions regarding talcum powder products and manufacturer liability are pending throughout the United States. To find out if you are eligible to join a class action out of Florida, talk to a personal injury attorney. Most, offer free initial case evaluations, so you have nothing to lose by getting a lawyer’s advice. You have the right to investigate your cancer diagnosis and find out if a negligent manufacturer could and should have prevented your illness. Call us toll free at 1-877-645-2974 to learn more.

Please note that in some matters, we may co-counsel or refer the case to another lawyer or law firm.