The Link Between Cancer and Talcum Powder
Manufactured by many different companies, talcum powder is one of the most famous products in existence. Commonly labeled as “baby powder,” by the company Johnson & Johnson, the product contains an ingredient, known as talc, that has been linked to cases of cancer. Despite frequent claims of safety being pushed forth by manufacturers, several claims have been filed by women who believe that their ovarian cancer was caused by talcum powder. If you are a former or current user of talcum powder, you may find the following information to be immensely important.
What is Talc?
Talc is an ingredient that can be found in hundreds of brands of antiperspirants, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. It is mined from deep within the earth, and its versatility and low reactivity make it a prized mineral. According to some studies, similarities have been found between talc and asbestos (a carcinogen frequently found in paint and building materials). These studies have captured the attention of millions of people, but they remain largely inconclusive. According to Johnson & Johnson, baby powder has been safely used for over 100 years. There is a direct scientific relationship between exposure to carcinogens and the development of cancer.
Landmark Cases Involving Cancer and Talcum Powder
In a landmark Missouri case, the family of a 62-year-old woman was awarded over $72 million in damages by a jury. The woman’s family claimed that their mother developed ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder for several decades. They also believed that several prior hospitalizations were caused by their mother’s avid use of the product. At the end of the trial, the jury found that Johnson & Johnson had withheld important information about talcum powder and ovarian cancer. The settlement is one of the largest of its type to date.
Lowering the Risk of Cancer
In a Yahoo! Beauty article, the correlation between talc and cancer was finally addressed. The director of science at the Breast Cancer Fund provided an interview in which he stated that reducing or stopping one’s use of products that contain potential carcinogens can lower the risk of cancer. The article also pointed out that due to the perceived cancer threat, numerous companies, including Johnson & Johnson, now offer talc-free products to the public.
Understand Your Rights
If you believe that your cancer was caused by your use of talcum powder, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The professionals at the Jacksonville law office of Farah & Farah can help you understand your rights. Don’t suffer in silence any longer – contact our firm today. We can be reached at (800) 533-3555.
