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Truth: Medical studies have shown a link between increased risk of ovarian cancer for women and the extended use of talcum powder in the pelvic region.
Truth: Talcum powder manufacturer Johnson & Johnson has faced multiple lawsuits and payouts to victims, most recently in July 2018 paying $4.69 billion to 22 female victims, with over 9,400 other lawsuits pending in both state and federal courts.
Truth: Berkeley Health of the University of California’s School of Public Health and numerous medical organizations have publicly made statements advising against the use of talcum powder due to health risks and its potential to cause cancer in women.
Hailed for its ability to treat rashes, absorb moisture, and reduce friction on human skin, talcum powder use has been linked to cancer.
Medical studies and research have gained momentum in labs, medical journals, and courts, claiming that the use of talcum powder is dangerous. Women’s use of the powder has been connected to ovarian cancer, while infant use has been linked to lung damage and the development of breathing complications.
Standing behind their statement that talcum powder is safe, manufacturer Johnson & Johnson continues to deny growing medical research and victims stating otherwise. Evidence shows the manufacturer has known of the dangers and risks associated with talcum powder since the 1980’s.
Our team at Farah & Farah believe companies should be held responsible for negligence and that victims are entitled to fair compensation for their pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one has developed cancer due to extended use of talcum powder, contact us now for a free consultation and get the justice you deserve.
The main ingredient for talcum powder is talc. Talc is a soft white mineral soapstone, primarily made of magnesium silicate, silicon, and oxygen. Talcum powder is found in a variety of over-the-counter cosmetic products.
Talcum powders include:
Talc in its natural state has been known to have deposits of asbestos. Asbestos, if inhaled or absorbed into the human body, has been identified by the American Cancer Society as carcinogenic, or cancer-causing.
Although asbestos is no longer used in cosmetic products or building supplies, such as drywall, exposure to asbestos still affects many today. A number of lawsuits are currently in courts with victims seeking compensation for serious health conditions caused by asbestos poisoning.
Early medical research in the 1970’s linking talcum powder to cancer initially argued that asbestos was the cancer-causing agent and not talc. According to the American Cancer Society, talc products like talcum powder sold on shelves today have been asbestos-free since the 1970’s.
But some prosecutors argue that this is not always the case. When talc is mined, it is usually in close proximity to asbestos. This leads many to believe that, despite company claims, some talcum powder products may still contain traces of asbestos, making it dangerous to the public.
Talc-based products are sold by a number of companies globally. These companies are primarily in the cosmetic and home care space. The flagship talcum powder brand is sold by Johnson & Johnson, although many other brands sell talcum-based powders.
Talcum powder is used for preventing excessive sweating in sensitive areas.
Talcum powder works by:
Talcum powder is used by adults and infants as well as some teenagers and children.
Talcum powder is typically used by people who:
Talcum powder is generally applied:
The risks associated with talcum powder are its link to ovarian cancer for women and breathing complications for both infants and adults. Evidence shows that manufacturers of talcum powder have known of these risks since as early as the 1980’s.
When cases began to surface linking talc to ovarian cancer development in the 1970’s, medical studies concluded prolonged application of talcum powder in the genital region was the cause. But due to the presence of asbestos, manufacturers and other organization wrote off the dangers of talc. Already a known carcinogen to cause cancer, asbestos was removed from talcum powder. Health organizations and manufacturers asserted that the cancer-causing ingredient was asbestos, not talc.
But growing medical evidence and court rulings favoring victims have raised concerns regarding the risks of using Talcum Powder.
Talcum powder presents the greatest risk to infants and women. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using talcum powder with infants for health risks that are different from those for women.
For women:
For Infants:
Berkeley Wellness, with the University of California’s School of Public Health, along with many other organizations, advise against the use of talcum powder.
Cautions to take for women using talcum powder include:
Cautions for use on infants:
There are a number of alternatives to talcum powder that are more natural and that present many fewer health risks for users. Compared to powders with larger microfibers, such as those that are cornstarch-based, talcum powder is easier for toddlers to inhale because of its small microfibers.
Alternatives to talcum powder include:
More commercial alternative baby powders include natural baby powders and deodorants produced by:
For mothers wanting a safe option, baby powder alternatives can be made at home using the natural ingredients listed above. Recipes can be found on sites such as Wellness Mama.
In the United States Ovarian cancer causes over 14,000 deaths each year. Epidemiological research looking into the connection between health, products, and disease has found some links between asbestos-free talc products and cancer. Medical research remains mixed, but studies conclude that increased inflammation in the area caused by talc is what leads to the development of ovarian cancer.
Lawsuits involving talcum powder date began in 2016. To date, there have been more than 6,600 baby powder lawsuits filed against Johnson & Johnson and over 9,400 lawsuits currently pending in state and local courts.
Some of the major lawsuits involving talcum powder include:
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require as strict a review of cosmetic products as it does for drugs or medical devices. The FDA stance on talcum powder is to monitor its potential health effects. The FDA regulatory focus with talc products has primarily been to ensure cosmetic talc products are asbestos-free, rather than probing further into its link with ovarian cancer.
The International Agency for Cancer Research under the World Health Organization classified the use of talc products in the genital area as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” in 2006.
Talcum powders and its connection to ovarian cancer development has been the subject of many medical studies resulting in mixed conclusions.
Further research is still being conducted to establish a more direct link.
If you or a loved one has developed one of the qualifying cancers below due to the use of talcum powder in the pelvic area, you may have a case and be entitled to compensation:
There are already a number of class action lawsuits already taking place against the manufacturers of talcum powder, especially Johnson & Johnson. Speak with our highly experienced and caring team, which specializes in complex medical litigation. Our team at Farah & Farah fights for justice for our clients and offers a free consultation to assess your case, with no cost to you unless your case wins.
Contact us now to get your case reviewed at no cost you.
Co-counsel will be associated on these cases.
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