A plaintiff in a recent lawsuit over Johnson’s baby powder ovarian cancer risks claimed that employees at Johnson & Johnson were aware that its baby powder had carcinogenic properties. However, some organizations still struggle to find data that will confirm this link. That being said, other problems come with fewer questions.

For example, women who used the same talcum powder product to reduce moisture in the area around their genitals may have up to a 30 percent higher risk of developing ovarian cancer according to a metareview of some 16 studies published in 2003. This has led to investigations for potential baby powder ovarian cancer class action lawsuits, as consumer rights lawyers learn what companies such as Johnson & Johnson may have known about these concerns.

However, many doctors simply do not see the benefit of the use of talcum powder in many situations. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend that caregivers use those products, which also include Johnson & Johnson’s Shower to Shower.

According to one doctor, “when inhaled, talc can … cause serious lung damage.”

A British Medical Journal case study found a three-month old required hospitalization due to ingestion of the powder.

The American Academy of Pediatrics worries that the use of the products can even lead to lung issues for other family members if it is not properly applied.This, along with the possibility of baby powder ovarian cancer side effects, may reduce the overall appeal of the product.

With those risks in mind, medical professionals have noted that the usage of Shower to Shower, Johnson’s baby powder, and related products have dropped. However, due to the amount of time between the time the product was used and the onset of the disease, many women may be at risk as well as their children and other members of the household exposed to the talcum products for any period of time.