When you think of baby powder, it is hard to imagine the product being dangerous. You might even ask: If it is safe enough to be used on your baby, how could it carry a real risk?

However, talcum powder dangers are a reality, backed up by research studies. Why these dangers are not more well-known is not apparent, but it is important to know your risk if you choose to use baby powder and how you choose to use it.

Baby Powder Dangerous Ingredient

Most baby powders contain talc in the form of talcum powder. Talc is one of the softest minerals on earth, and very absorbent. It is found in mines and it is made up of the elements magnesium, silicon and oxygen. Some baby powders are cornstarch-based, so it is important to note that the baby powders that cause an increased cancer risk are the ones that contain talc powder.

Talc Powder Cancer Risk

A reason much information about the talc powder cancer risk might be so hush-hush is due to the way baby powder is used when it increases cancer risk.

Women who use baby powder in their genital area as part of their personal beauty routine are the ones at a higher risk for ovarian cancer. Sharing your private beauty routine when it involves wetness and odor is simply not something many people discuss.

However, the information should be more widely shared, because confidential surveys of women show that over 40 percent of women use a talc baby powder product in their genital area every single day. And the increased risk of these women developing ovarian cancer from this routine is 41 percent over women who don’t.

Talc Powder Ovarian Cancer Research Studies

In 1971, the first research study was done that showed an association between talc and ovarian cancer. Researchers studied ovarian tumors of women and found talc particles embedded deeply in every single one of them.

A decade later, a study showed the first significant relationship between genitally applied talcum baby powder and ovarian cancer. Since then, another 20 plus studies have shown a link between baby powder use and ovarian cancer.

Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuit Information

In 2013, a woman filed a baby powder cancer lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson for her alleged development of ovarian cancer following her use of baby powder. The jury found Johnson & Johnson guilty, but in a shocking outcome, Johnson & Johnson paid no damages to the woman in the case.

About 700 women have made the link to their ovarian cancer and their use of baby powder and have since filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson for failing to warn consumers about the increased risk.

If you or someone you know has ovarian cancer and has used talcum powder or baby powder, you may have a legal claim. Individual lawsuits may be filed, and an opportunity to join a baby powder class action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson may be available.