Johnson & Johnson is facing a new product liability claim from a couple, alleging the company failed to warn them about a  link between talc powder and cancer.

The baby powder lawsuit alleges that the couple had no idea that talc powder and cancer had been connected in a number of studies. The wife alleges she used Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder and shower to shower powder throughout her whole life.

This talcum powder cancer lawsuit was conjointly filed by plaintiffs Darlene M. and Edward M., who claim that the reported link between talc powder and cancer has permanently impacted their lives and marriage.

Like millions of other women in the United States, Darlene says she used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products for a variety of hygienic purposes like rash and dry skin.

Darlene also says she used talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes. The baby powder lawsuit points out that this is one of the uses described on the product’s label and was regularly advertised by Johnson & Johnson. Women were encouraged to apply talcum powder to their genital area, the couple claims.

According to the complaint, Johnson & Johnson used marketing statements like “a sprinkle a day keeps the odor away” and that the talcum powder products would help women feel “clean” or “fresh.” By using the product according to those representations, alleges the baby powder lawsuit, these women were unknowingly increasing their chances of developing ovarian cancer.

Darlene and numerous other women were allegedly unaware of the alleged correlation between talc powder and cancer for years. According to the talcum powder cancer lawsuit, Darlene was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on Feb. 1, 2016 and has been contending with the disease ever since.

Darlene and Edward opted to file legal action against Johnson & Johnson after allegedly discovering the company was aware of multiple studies that established a link between talc powder and cancer.

Overview of Talc Powder and Cancer

There have been over 20 studies indicating a link between talc powder and cancer, with the first inquiry conducted in the early 1970s. It is currently unknown why talcum powder may be causing ovarian cancer in some women, but it has been found that talc particles may be of a similar consistency to asbestos — a known carcinogen.

Talc is a soft material that is easily mined and ground up for hygiene purposes. While talc was advertised as effective against wetness and dry skin, numerous alternatives like cornstarch are available. The baby powder lawsuit alleges Johnson & Johnson had the option of using alternatives but never did so.

Further, even though Johnson & Johnson had the option to use alternatives to talc and was allegedly aware of the potential link between talc powder and cancer, the company still failed to disclose this information to the general public, contends the lawsuit.

Darlene states she would not have used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products if she had known about the increased risk of ovarian cancer. Darlene’s baby powder lawsuit is seeking multiple damages for counts of negligence and failure to warn.

This Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-00917-CCR, in the U.S. District Court of Western New York.