Johnson & Johnson is facing a new product liability lawsuit from a Washington woman, alleging the company failed to warn her about potential baby powder cancer risks. The woman asserts she used the company’s talcum powder product for its intended purpose but was never notified of the baby powder cancer risks.

Plaintiff Paula T. is filing this baby powder cancer lawsuit, alleging Johnson & Johnson either knew or should have known about the baby powder cancer risks based on injury reports and numerous scientific inquiries.

According to the baby powder cancer lawsuit, Paula used the talcum powder product for typical uses from 1967 to 1985. One of these treatment purposes was dusting talcum powder over her genital area for feminine hygiene purposes, which Johnson & Johnson reportedly encouraged through various marketing statements. Johnson & Johnson told women that talcum powder was a safe and effective product for reducing vaginal odor and wetness while allegedly aware of the baby powder cancer risks.

Relying on the company’s marketing statements and product instructions, Paula used the company’s talcum baby powder product for years. Paula alleges that this regular use eventually resulted in her ovarian cancer diagnosis in June 2007.

Paula has since undergone various treatments for the disease. These treatments included an extensive hysterectomy and other surgeries to help remove malignant tumors. According to the lawsuit, Paula’s life has been permanently compromised by the product, and she opted to take legal action after learning Johnson & Johnson may have known about this problem for years.

Overview of Baby Powder Cancer Risks

Talcum powder has been on the market for decades and has become a staple hygiene product for millions of consumers in the United States.

Talc is a soft mineral that is ground up to a fine powder, which is good for absorbing moisture and reducing friction. Johnson & Johnson utilized this mineral, marketing the product for various uses that included personal hygiene for women. This particular use involves applying the powder to the genital area.

When this happens, researchers believe, talc particles can enter the bloodstream and eventually embed themselves in the woman’s ovaries. After a certain number of years, the particles could trigger the development of cancer cells.

The alleged baby powder cancer risks have been subject to research since the early 1970s, with over a dozen inquiries finding similar results of increased cancer risks. Johnson & Johnson has been aware of these studies for years but allegedly failed to disclose the potential baby powder cancer risks to the public.

At all times relevant, Paula used the talcum powder product for its intended purpose and did not deviate from instructions. Even with this diligence, Paula still developed ovarian cancer. She says she was not aware of the potential baby powder cancer risks until recently.

Paula is filing this baby powder cancer lawsuit asserting claims for negligence and failure to warn, as well as compensatory damages for her extensive medical bills. Paula states she would not have used the product if she had known about the potential baby powder cancer risks.

This Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 2:17-cv-01797-RAJ, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.