Since 1971, over twenty studies have directly linked the use of talcum (talc) powder to ovarian cancer in women. In 2016, further analysis of 16 of the studies confirmed that women who utilized talcum powder were 33% more likely to develop ovarian cancer when compared to women who did not use the product. If you used talcum powder and were subsequently diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it is crucial that you act quickly to protect your legal rights.
The attorneys at the Law Office of Edelstein, Martin & Nelson are currently evaluating claims from potential clients who have suffered adverse consequences from the use of talcum powder. Contact our law firm to schedule a free case review with our team of personal injury attorneys to discuss the legal options available for you.
In 2003, several studies confirmed previous findings that there was a strong link between the use of talcum powder and women developing ovarian cancer. As a result, legal action has been taken that accuses the makers of talcum-based products, Johnson & Johnson, of continuing to offer products that they knew caused harm to women. It is further alleged that Johnson & Johnson has known about the risks associated with the products since at least 1982 but failed to warn women of the risks of potential adverse reactions.
In addition, it has recently been reported by the New York Times that Johnson & Johnson knew that a link between their products and asbestos existed. The article provides insight surrounding the company spending decades trying to hide this information from the public.
Research surrounding the link between ovarian cancer and talcum powder has been going on for decades. It is believed that the use of talcum powder near the genitals can travel into the ovaries of users and embed into ovarian tissue. This mineral is difficult for the body to remove on its own and, as a result, it results in inflammation and causes the development of cancerous tumors.
A 1971 study published by the medical journal The Lancet shows that a majority of ovarian tumors had particles of talc deeply embedded into them. In 1982, other researchers found that women using the powder during ovulation had a 92% increased risk of developing ovarian cancer when compared to women who did not use talc powder.
Since 1982, researchers have conducted 21 additional studies surrounding the link. These studies have almost all found that women using the products near their genitals were, indeed, at an increased risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Despite the possible link, and the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society considering talcum powder use near the genitals to be a risk factor contributing to ovarian cancer, the manufacturers have yet to place warnings of these risks on the products. As a result, millions of people continue to be exposed to these dangerous conditions.
There are a few common questions that people have about talcum powder, the lawsuit, and the legal options available. Some of the most common questions include:
What is talc?
- Talc is a mineral that is made of magnesium, oxygen, and silicon. This soft, naturally occurring mineral is mined and processed, and turned into a fine powder that is used in a variety of cosmetic products on the market today.
What are some uses of talc?
- Talc is used in a variety of products offered on the market today. Some products include makeup, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, baby powder, and lotion. Talcum powder is widely known for absorbing moisture and controlling odor, which makes it widely popular for use on the genital area. Even if women do not use talcum powder directly, they may be exposed through the use of diaphragm use, the use of condoms, and menstrual pads.
Why is talc harmful to users?
- Talc is considered harmful for users because the body has no way to get rid of the mineral once it is inside. As a result, talc deposits have been found to have dangerous levels of asbestos, which is known to cause various forms of cancers, including mesothelioma, which is a rare form of lung cancer, and ovarian cancer. Even trace amounts of asbestos can have devastating consequences.
However, there is evidence that companies continue to sell talc products that have tested for asbestos even after regulations were set in place during the 1970s, which exposes consumers to serious risks. Not only has the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer concluded that women who use talc on their genital areas were 30% to 60% more likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but they have also been able to link the product to the diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Why are people filing talcum powder lawsuits?
- People who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and mesothelioma are taking legal action against Johnson & Johnson to hold them accountable for their negligence. These lawsuits are intended to help victims recover compensation for their injuries and damages. Furthermore, these lawsuits play a critical role in uncovering evidence that Johnson & Johnson knew of the risks and spent over four decades hiding the information. To date, over 13,000 lawsuits have been filed.
If you used talcum powder and were diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, you may have legal options available for you.
The attorneys at the Law Office of Edelstein, Martin & Nelson are committed to helping victims with handling even some of the most complex mass tort claims. We fight to help our clients get justice for the pain and suffering they have been forced to endure. Our team begins working immediately on cases for our clients so we can help them have the strongest and most efficient and effective evidence to present while demanding justice on their behalf.
If you were injured as a result of using talcum powder, contact our personal injury attorneys today by calling (302) 504-4815. Our team is available to meet with you at your earliest convenience to discuss the legal options available for you.
