Although talcum powder has been in use for decades — both for preventing diaper rash and other issues in babies, as well as for adult hygiene purposes — the popular product has been linked with more than one type of cancer.

Indeed, a growing number of people are turning to litigation, alleging that they were inadequately warned about the cancer risk associated with talcum powder, leading to their cancer diagnosis.

What is talcum powder?

Talcum powder, also known as baby powder, is made with a mineral known as talc, and is used to absorb moisture and odors, as well as reduce friction.

Though it is known mostly for its use in baby powder for use with babies and small children, adults use this powder as well, often for hygiene purposes in their genital area.

What type of cancer has talcum powder use been linked with?

The use of talc-based baby powders has been linked with ovarian cancer, for those who use the product as part of their regular hygiene routine in the genital area.

So far, more than 6,600 people have filed lawsuits against manufacturer Johnson & Johnson over baby powder ovarian cancer.

Can asbestos-contaminated baby powder cause cancer?

Talcum powder has also been associated with an increased risk of mesothelioma, though this is not due to the talc itself, but instead contamination with the mineral asbestos. Talc and asbestos occur close together in the earth, opening up the opportunity for contamination.

Asbestos is a fibrous material used for many years for its resistance to fire and chemicals; however, in recent decades, it has become widely known that asbestos exposure can cause serious health complications.

A growing number of people are coming forward with claims that the talc-based baby powder they used was contaminated with asbestos, leading them to develop mesothelioma, a particularly deadly form of cancer linked with asbestos exposure.

Back in April 2018, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to compensate a New Jersey couple for selling talc-based products contaminated with asbestos. The jury awarded $37 million in damages to the plaintiff.

Can I file a talcum powder cancer lawsuit?

More and more people are coming forward with allegations of cancer caused by their talcum powder usage, alleging that the manufacturer failed to warn them about the risk. In a recent baby powder cancer lawsuit, a St. Louis jury awarded almost $4.7 billion to a group of 22 women and their families. Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson maintains that their baby powder products are safe for use.

Despite vigorously defending its talc-based products, Johnson & Johnson announced in August 2022 that it would stop selling talc-based baby powder by 2023. The company will replace these products with cornstarch-based powders. According to CNN, this choice is a result a “worldwide portfolio assessment.”

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma caused by exposure to talcum powder, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation.

Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by cancer, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Filing a lawsuit can be daunting, especially while facing a cancer diagnosis, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your compensation.