A new study published in the October 2014 issue of the International Journal of Occupational & Environmental Health shows that some cosmetic talcum powder products may still contain asbestos, a known carcinogen. The findings come at a time when Johnson & Johnson is facing increased scrutiny over allegations that its Johnson’s baby powder and Shower to Shower body powder products can cause cancer.

Before the study, many in the public were under the impression that cosmetic talcum powder products sold in the United States are safe. However, new talc-based products manufactured in other countries are imported to the U.S. without safety testing.

Talc is a microscopic mineral that can become contaminated with asbestos due to being mined in similar locations as asbestos, and is the main ingredient in popular hygienic powders such as baby powder. Talc-based body powders such as those sold by Johnson & Johnson have been linked to a 24% increased risk of ovarian cancer in women who use the powder on their genitals for feminine hygiene.

Asbestos is dangerous a dangerous substance that is infamous for causing a rare form of lung cancer called mesothelioma. Researchers spent a year tracking asbestos-contaminated talc from these foreign mines to a popular body powder product used by women who died of asbestos mesothelioma after years of long-term use.

The research suggests that asbestos-contaminated talcum powder could possibly cause ovarian cancer when women apply the powder to their genital area. Talcum powder cancer can also occur from certain feminine hygiene products, diaphragms, condoms, and medical examining gloves that contain talcum powder.

Overview of Talcum Powder-Ovarian Cancer Connection

This is a frightening discovery because it means that many popular feminine hygiene and healthcare products may be endangering women across the United States. The FDA currently has no regulation standards over the cosmetic industry, implying that these and other dangerous cosmetic products have remained in the American market for decades.

In light of this new research, legal experts are expecting an increase in the number of baby powder cancer lawsuits filed in the United States. Each of these lawsuits would be filed by women who allege that in direct result of applying Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder or Shower-to-Shower body powder to their genital area, they developed ovarian cancer.

Women who have already filed lawsuits allege that the company did not mention any possibility of ovarian cancer on either of their products; these women state that they never would have used the talcum powder if they had known about the possibility of ovarian cancer.

Medical experts explain that this alleged side effect of talcum powder use may be occurring because the talc particles become trapped in the woman’s fallopian tubes after its applied to her genital area. The talc particles can  sit for years inside the victim, irritating the ovaries and creating cysts or tumors before developing into ovarian cancer.

At least one Johnson’s baby powder cancer lawsuit has already seen a favorable outcome for the plaintiff, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer following long-term use of Johnson’s baby powder and Shower to Shower body powder for feminine hygiene. In October 2013, a jury found that the plaintiff’s ovarian cancer was linked to the presence of talc particles in her ovaries.

This victory has inspired women around the country to file legal action against Johnson & Johnson for their similar injuries.