As Johnson & Johnson continues to gain negative attention for its Johnson’s baby powder products’ link to ovarian cancer, it’s clear the company isn’t the only one profiting from the popularity of talcum powder.  All over the world, talc is used for a variety of purposes, making the risk of ovarian cancer much higher than initially perceived.

Even accidental contact with talc powder in a woman’s genital area can be deadly. Talc is used in many manufacturing industries including paper making, plastic, paint and coatings, rubber, food, electric cable, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, ceramics, and many more.

Coarse grayish colored soapstone is also made from talc, and is often used in the manufacture of stoves, sinks, electrical switchboards, crayons, soap, and other products. Talc is popularly used on countertops because of its resistance to electricity and acids. But its most popular and best-known use has been as a body powder for adults and as baby powder. Talc is often used in baby powder for preventing diaper rashes as because of its astringent properties.  It is used as a body powder for the same hygienic purposes, but is often applied to the genital area.

While talc is a highly popular household item, especially in hygiene, suspicions over talc’s connection with different diseases has been explored numerous times. Ovarian cancer is an especially prevalent concern, but the link has yet to be proven.

In the last two decades, several studies have been published exploring the possible correlation between talcum powder and ovarian and lung cancer. A 1993 U.S. National Toxicology Program report stated that while talc contained no immediate dangers, it did find that the substance created tumors in rats.  An older paper published in 1971 found that talc had been embedded in 75% of all ovarian tumors studied.

As of now, medical experts state that women who apply talcum powder to their genital area are most likely to get ovarian cancer because the powder travels directly through their blood stream.  While a concern, cancer experts state that the chances of ovarian cancer development may be low, but should still be mentioned as a possible side effect.

Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuits

In light of recent injury reports, several law firms in America are launching baby powder class action lawsuit investigations into claims that women developed ovarian cancer after using baby powder on their genital areas. Baby powder cancer lawsuits started being filed in October 2013 — a case in which plaintiff Deanne Berg developed ovarian cancer from allegedly using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum products: Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower powder.

Berg won the lawsuit, and has inspired thousands of women across the United States to take similar action she did.  Women who suspect they were infected by talcum powder with ovarian cancer, are encouraged to talk to their doctors and lawyers.

Berg’s case was labeled as: Deane Berg vs. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Case No.  09-4179, Inc., in the United States District Court of South Dakota.