A national baby powder lawsuit involving more than 50 plaintiffs from across the United States alleges that talcum powder products caused the development of ovarian cancer.

Imerys Talc America is named as the defendant that supplies the raw talc material, which co-defendant Johnson & Johnson uses to manufacture its talcum powder products.

Lead plaintiff Tiffany H. alleges that as a direct result of using the talcum powder on her genital area, she developed ovarian cancer.

The baby powder cancer lawsuit states that Tiffany applied talcum powder for feminine hygiene reasons, where the particles then entered into her body and eventually festered into cancer.

The talcum powder lawsuit references numerous peer reviewed research studies, which indicated a link between ovarian cancer and talcum powder.

What is Talcum Powder?

Talcum powder is made from a material called talc, a mineral composed of magnesium and silicon that is mined.

These talc rocks are then crushed down and manufactured into a fine powder, which can be used to reduce friction. Its hygienic properties has made talcum powder a staple product for years in the consumer market, often used as baby powder and skin powder.

Talcum Powder Cancer Allegations

Johnson & Johnson manufactures shower-to-shower and baby powder, which have become the focal points in ovarian cancer lawsuits. Numerous plaintiffs claim that when women apply talcum powder to their genital areas, the talc particles pass into their bloodstream and eventually become nestled in the woman’s ovaries.

The particles eventually fester into cancer cells, causing numerous women to be diagnosed with the condition. In one of the most recent talcum powder cancer studies, a 2013 study was published in the Cancer Prevention Research journal.

Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital reviewed data from eight different research papers, involving nearly 2,000 women. Results showed a significant increased likelihood of ovarian cancer, between 20 and 30 percent, when women use talcum powder for feminine hygiene.

The plaintiffs allege that neither they or their loved ones were aware of the alleged association, and that they never would have used the product had they known.

Imerys Talc America tried to dismiss this particular claim on March 17, 2015, to which the judge at the time ordered to be denied. At the time Judge John G. Garvery had been the presiding judge, but the talc company tired again when Judge Rex M. Burlison had taken over the litigation. Imery’s Talc America had filed another motion to dismiss, asking Judge Burlison to reconsider the previous judge’s decision on July 08, 2015.

Judge Burlison agreed with the original decision, allowing the national talcum powder lawsuit to proceed. This talcum powder lawsuit involves over 50 plaintiffs from across the United States, with each of them relieved with the judge’s decision.

This major talcum powder lawsuit is set to go to trial on Feb. 01, 2016.

The Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 1422-Cc09012-01, in the City of St. Louis Circuit Court.