Johnson & Johnson is facing a new product liability claim alleging talc cancer, with the claimant stating the company failed to warn her against their product’s possible carcinogenic effects.

The talc cancerlawsuit was filed by a woman from New York, alleging Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products directly contributed to her developing ovarian cancer.

Plaintiff Lynne G. opted to file legal action soon after her talc cancer was diagnosed, claiming Johnson & Johnson had allegedly known about the association for years.

According to the talc cancer lawsuit, Lynne had used Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products for feminine hygiene purposes since she was a baby, from October 1963 to 1993. During this time period, Lynne says she relied on the marketing statements and product information provided by the company and had no reason to believe she was at risk for any serious side effects.

According to the talc lawsuit, Johnson & Johnson would use marketing statements like “a sprinkle a day keeps odor away” and “your body perspires in more places than just under your arms. Use Shower to Shower to feel, dry, fresh, and comfortable throughout the day.”

Talcum Powder Use

For decades, Lynne claims she had been dusting her genital area with talcum powder for personal feminine hygiene purposes, which she says is a typical use of the powder.

Talc is a soft material that is crushed down into powder and is very effective in treating dry skin and absorbing excess moisture. This makes talcum powder very effective in treating conditions like diaper rash, as well as a popular choice for feminine hygiene. However, this regular use had allegedly contributed to Lynne developing talc cancer, and she has been contending with the disease ever since.

According to the talc cancer lawsuit, Lynne was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in August 2002 when she was just 38 years old. Lynne alleges Johnson & Johnson had been aware of a potential correlation as far back as the early 1970s, but had still marketed their talcum powder products for personal feminine hygiene purposes.

Overview of Talc Cancer Correlation

Since 1982, there have been over 20 different studies indicating a correlation between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. The first in depth study was conducted in 1982, when researchers found a 92 percent increased risk of ovarian cancer in women who had used talcum powder.

Researchers believe that when talcum powder is applied to a woman’s genital area, the talc particles can enter the body and eventually embed themselves in the ovaries. After a few years, the talc particles eventually fester and significantly increase the chances of ovarian cancer.

Even though this is a devastating complication, Lynne alleges Johnson & Johnson allegedly failed to warn their consumers against talc cancer.

It is important to note that cornstarch can achieve the same hygienic effects as talc, but Johnson & Johnson still utilized the potentially carcinogenic material. Lynne states she would not have used the company’s talcum powder products, if she had known about the increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Lynne is seeking a multitude of damages in her talc cancer lawsuit, including counts of negligence and failure to warn.

This Talc Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-02843, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.  It joins thousands of lawsuits from women claiming the company’s products caused their ovarian cancer.