A recently filed federal lawsuit alleges that use of Johnson’s baby powder products can put women at greater risk for ovarian cancer.

Plaintiff Elizabeth J. of North Carolina used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products to dust her perineum for feminine hygiene purposes for over a decade.

In October 2013, Elizabeth was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 64.

According to the baby powder lawsuit, Elizabeth used Johnson’s Baby Powder for more than twelve years without any knowledge of the over two dozen studies linking the use of talc powder on the female genital area to an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Talcum Powder Dangers

Johnson’s Baby Powder is a talc-based product. Talcum powder has been directly used on the skin as an effective absorbent to help deodorize.

The primary component in talcum powder is magnesium silicate hydroxide (commonly known as talc). However, unrefined talc can contain asbestos, a known carcinogen.

Talc particles may have a hand in causing tumors in the ovaries and lungs. Scientists theorize that talc particles are capable of moving up the reproductive system and becoming embedded in the lining of the ovary.

Researchers have found talc particles in ovarian tumors and have found that ovarian cancer occurs more frequently in women who report using talcum powder in their genital.

Studies Link Baby Powder to Ovarian Cancer

As early as 1971, researchers have demonstrated that particles similar to talc can translocate from the exterior genital area to the ovaries in women. And a 1968 study concluded that talc contained asbestos-like fibers.

The most recent studies suggest that women who use talcum powder are 40 percent more likely to get ovarian cancer.

Experts from Harvard Medical School in Boston studied more than 3,000 women and found using talc merely once a week raised the risk of ovarian cancer by 36 percent, rising to 41 percent for those applying powder daily.

These studies and more have suggested that women who regularly use talcum powder on the genital area have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Were You Harmed By Johnson’s Baby Powder?

According to Elizabeth’s complaint and many of the 2,000 ovarian cancer lawsuits pending against Johnson & Johnson in state courts, the company was aware of scientific evidence linking ovarian cancer and perineal use of talcum powder as early as 1982.

Instead of warning about the potential hazards associated with the use of talcum powder, the company chose to engage in marketing messages indicating that its talc powders are safe for women to use.

Johnson & Johnson has been named in other baby powder cancer lawsuits and class action lawsuits over its failure to warn about the risk of cancer from use of talcum powder.

Many juries have already found Johnson & Johnson liable for failing to warn about cancer risks and use of their talc-based products.

In October, a 63-year old California woman who received an ovarian cancer diagnosis was awarded $70 million over Johnson & Johnson’s alleged negligence.

Two other baby powder cancer verdicts were handed down this year for $72 million and $55 million, though Johnson & Johnson is appealing these cases.

If you or your mother, sister, daughter, or other close relative received an ovarian cancer diagnosis after using Johnson’s Baby Powder, an experienced product liability attorney wants to help. You may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages.

Elizabeth’s Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 3:16-cv-08900-FLW-LHG in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.