Significant exposure to talcum powder has been linked to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Now individuals are filing lawsuits against talc manufacturers and suppliers. These lawsuits allege that these companies failed to warn consumers about cancer risks. We represent individuals who have developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after long-term use of talc-based products.
Were you or a loved one recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma? Do you have a history of routine talcum powder use? Our talcum powder Legal Care Advocates can offer a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation. We can help you determine whether you have an eligible claim to recover compensation. We’re offering free consultations now.
What Is Talcum Powder (Talc)?
Talc is a natural mineral composed of magnesium, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Talc is used in various products, including plastics, ceramics, and paint. It is also commonly used in its powder form in cosmetic and personal hygiene products. Talc is a natural lubricant and absorbs moisture and odor.
What Are the Health Risks of Talcum Powder?
According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the FDA does not regulate cosmetic products and their ingredients, except for color additives. Because talcum powder is used in cosmetic products, manufacturers do not have to share safety information with the FDA before putting their products on the market.
The most serious potential side effects include ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
Ovarian Cancer
Women have used talcum powder, or baby powder, as a feminine hygiene product for decades. Talcum powder effectively reduces friction, moisture and odor. However, it is dangerous to use near the genitals.
The American Cancer Society acknowledges that talcum powder particles, if applied near or to the genitals, may travel through a woman’s vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes to the ovaries, increasing a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer. Additionally, some studies link talcum powder to ovarian cancer as far back as the 1970s. However, research still needs to be done. Currently, there is not a definitive answer about how talcum powder causes ovarian cancer.
Mesothelioma
Asbestos is a natural mineral. Agencies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classify it as a human carcinogen. A human carcinogen is a substance that may cause cancer.
Talc mines may be close in proximity to asbestos deposits. Because of this, talc can be contaminated with asbestos when mined. When an individual inhales contaminated talcum powder, there is an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the thin layer of tissue that covers most of a human’s internal organs.
Talc Lawsuit Overview
Tens of thousands of individuals who have had significant exposure to talcum powder and have been diagnosed with cancer have filed lawsuits against talc manufacturers and producers. Most pending lawsuits are against Johnson & Johnson.
As of January 19, 2022, more than 37,000 MDL talcum powder lawsuits are pending in federal court against Johnson & Johnson. These lawsuits allege that Johnson & Johnson knew about the ovarian cancer risks of using its talc-based products and failed to warn its consumers.
Additionally, in 2018, Reuters released a report that disclosed that Johnson & Johnson knew for decades that its talcum powder contained asbestos. These lawsuits allege that Johnson & Johnson knew that its talc contained asbestos, ignored the health risks, and distributed it anyway.
Talc Lawsuit Defendants: Manufacturers and Suppliers
Defendants in talcum powder lawsuits have included the following talc manufacturers and producers:
- Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products include Johnson’s® Baby Powder and Shower to Shower.
- Imerys Talc America. Imerys is a producer and supplier of talc.
- Colgate-Palmolive. Colgate-Palmolive’s talc-based product is Cashmere Bouquet.
- Whittaker, Clark & Daniels. Whittaker, Clark & Daniels is a talc producer and supplier.
- Vanderbilt Minerals. Vanderbilt Minerals is a producer and supplier of talc.
Who Qualifies for a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
If the following circumstances apply to you, then you may qualify to recover compensation for damages through a talc lawsuit:
- You have used talcum powder or another talc-based product for an extended period.
- You have recently been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma.
Depending on your case, you may be able to recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Damages may include, but are not limited to:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost income
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
Our Legal Care Advocates can evaluate your situation during a free confidential consultation. Then, we can help you to understand your best legal options. We encourage you to contact us now.
Is There a Time Limit to File A Lawsuit?
Do you suspect that you may have a viable talcum powder claim? If so, then do not hesitate to reach out to a Legal Care Advocate about your situation.
Each state has a statute of limitations, or time limit, about how long you have to bring a lawsuit. We can determine how long you have to file a claim and ensure that you do not miss any critical deadlines.
Contact A Legal Care Advocate Today and Request a Free Confidential Consultation
Were you or a loved one diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using talcum powder or another talc-based product? Consider discussing your situation with our Legal Care Advocates. You may have a viable claim to recover compensation for your damages.
We have extensive experience handling cases involving dangerous drugs, products, and medical devices. Get started with a confidential consultation now.
