A baby powder class action lawsuit investigation has been launched against talcum powder manufacturer Johnson & Johnson.

The investigation is looking into the possible risks associated with using Johnson & Johnson’s talc based baby powder and Shower to Shower products with ovarian cancer.

The first baby powder lawsuit was filed back in October 2013. It alleged that Johnson & Johnson failed to warn the medical community and the general public about risks of developing ovarian cancer. Since then several other baby powder cancer lawsuits have been filed alleging that manufacturers fail to warn about the risks associated with using the talc-based products.

What is Talc?

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that consists primarily of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. When produced in powder form it absorbs moisture very well and helps reduce friction. Because of these characteristics, talc-based baby powders are often used to keep skin dry, prevent rashes, and reduce odors.

According to the American Cancer Society, when found in its natural state some talc contains asbestos particles. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral known to cause deadly forms of cancer in the lungs. The American Cancer Society states that talc products used in the U.S. filter out the asbestos particles and consumer products containing talc have been asbestos-free since the 1970s.

However, it has been suggested that even asbestos-free talc based products can still cause ovarian cancer in women. Baby powder lawsuits allege that when the talc based products are applied to the genital region, the small fibrous particles can travel through a woman’s vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes into the ovary. The talc particles can cause inflammation in an environment ripe for dangerous ovarian cancer cells to flourish.

Overview of Ovarian Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 21,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and nearly 15,000 women will die from ovarian cancer each year. Based on statistics presented by the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer is the 5th deadliest cancer found among women.

Approximately 1 in 75 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer during their lifetime and women who have been diagnosed with the cancer have a 1 in 100 chance of dying from the disease. Ovarian cancer is most prevalent in older women, with the majority of diagnoses occurring around the age of 63 or older.

While physical symptoms of ovarian cancer are more likely to occur once the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries, symptoms can be present before then. Common ovarian cancer symptoms include pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating, and difficulty eating. The American Cancer society suggests that if a woman experiences these symptoms more than 12 times a month she should seek out a medical professional.

Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuits

Deciding to bring a baby powder cancer lawsuit is a big decision that should be made on a case by case basis with the advice of a legal professional. Successful plaintiffs may be awarded compensation for their injuries, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

In some cases, family members can bring a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a loved one who has recently passed away from baby powder cancer.