Women Allege Talcum Powder Caused Their Ovarian Cancer

Two California women have filed product liability lawsuits claiming that using Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder caused them to get ovarian cancer. According to a Redding Record Searchlight report, the two women join thousands of others nationwide who have sued J&J claiming the company’s talcum powder products, when used for feminine hygiene purposes, cause ovarian cancer.

Complaints Link Talc to Cancer

The lawsuits were filed in Shasta County Superior Court and in addition to J&J, name Imerys Talc America, Inc., which mines, processes and sells talc. Both lawsuits, like many that have been filed around the country, state that the women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer after decades of genital talcum powder use. The complaints also cite a number of studies, which they say, back their claim that using talcum powder increases ovarian cancer risk and that cornstarch is a safer alternative to talc.

J&J has maintained that talc in baby powder or other cosmetics does not cause ovarian cancer. The company says it has used talc in its Baby Powder and other products and that it is safe for consumers. A spokeswoman told the newspaper that she could present a number of studies, which show talc doesn’t cause cancer.

The lawsuits seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and emotional distress as well as punitive damages. In August, a Los Angeles jury awarded $417 million in damages to a woman who said she suffered ovarian cancer after using J&J Baby Powder for feminine hygiene. However, a judge later overturned that verdict.

Failure to Warn Consumers

As product defect lawyers who represent the rights of victims and their families, we believe that J&J knew as early as in the 1970s and 1980s that these talcum powder products could cause ovarian cancer if they were used for feminine hygiene purposes. However, the company not only failed to warn consumers about the dangers their products pose, but also launched aggressive advertising campaigns to encourage women to use these talc products.

We hope these women are able to have their day in court and hold J&J accountable for their dangerous products and for failing to caution consumers about these products that could potentially cause a deadly disease. If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and believe it may be because of talc use, contact an experienced talcum powder attorney to evaluate your options.

Source: http://www.redding.com/story/news/2017/11/26/women-say-baby-powder-caused-their-cancer/858942001/