A woman has filed a baby powder and ovarian cancer lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, alleging that her use of the company’s baby powder led to her development of ovarian cancer.

Plaintiff Gwendolyn S. filed the baby powder and ovarian cancer lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The lawsuit was filed on Feb. 27, 2018.

According to the baby powder and ovarian cancer lawsuit, Gwendolyn says that she used Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder product for feminine hygiene purposes between 1960 and 2012.

However, she became diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 57 years old in October 2012, according to the baby powder and cancer lawsuit.

The baby powder and ovarian cancer lawsuit was filed on multiple counts including Violation of the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act, negligence or wantonness, defective manufacture and design, failure to warn, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, fraudulent concealment, fraud, breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty, civil conspiracy, and punitive damages.

Gwendolyn demands a trial by jury.

Baby Powder and Ovarian Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, talcum powder is composed of the mineral talc, which is made up of different elements such as oxygen, magnesium, and silicon. The mineral is used in a variety of applications, including cosmetic products such as J&J’s baby powder. Some of the reasons the mineral has been widely used is because of its abilities to absorb moisture, reduce friction, and prevent skin rashes.

However, since 1971, there have been more than 20 studies suggesting a link between baby powder and ovarian cancer. A meta-analysis of 16 studies was conducted in 2003 that suggested that women using talcum powder had a 33 percent increase in the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Accusations against J&J claim the company knew the side effects of using talcum powder, including its development for causing ovarian cancer. The company is being accused of failing to disclose these findings to the public and of continuing to sell and market a product that they know causes such adverse side effects.

Plaintiffs like Gwendolyn further accuse J&J of not warning consumers about the potential health hazard risks and for failing to place warnings on the label stating that products containing talc could increase the chances for ovarian cancer development.

According to the American Cancer Society, “[i]t has been suggested that talcum powder might cause cancer in the ovaries if the powder particles (applied to the genital area or on sanitary napkins, diaphrams, or condoms) were to travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovary.”

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified use of talc in the perineal area as a “Group 2B” human carcinogen, according to Gwendolyn’s talcum powder lawsuit.

The Baby Powder and Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-00467, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.