Women unaware of why talcum powder is dangerous could be facing an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral composed of hydrogen, oxygen, silicon and magnesium. In powder form, it can absorb moisture and reduce friction on the skin.

For those reasons, talc is used as an ingredient in several brands of baby powder and many different types of cosmetics.

In nature, talc is sometimes found in close proximity to asbestos, a known carcinogen with a controversial history of its own.

But the more recent research into why talcum powder is dangerous doesn’t lay the blame on asbestos. For decades, talcum powder products sold in the U.S. have been asbestos free. The new concerns about the safety of talcum powder have to do with the talc itself.

While some studies have been inconclusive, other research efforts over the past several decades have found a link between use of talc-based baby powder in the genital area and an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

As far back as 1971, researchers in Wales had discovered talc particles embedded in ovarian tumors. Other studies since then have found an association between talcum powder use and ovarian tumors.

A study from 1982 found that women who used talcum powder at all faced nearly twice the risk of developing ovarian cancer, and those who specifically used it in the genital area were at three times the risk.

Since then, at least 10 other studies have found similar results. One of the most recent studies links genital use of powder to a 44 percent increase in the risk of invasive epithelial ovarian cancer among African-American women.

Scientists Theorize Why Talcum Powder Is Dangerous

Research has yet to definitively explain why talcum powder is dangerous. Some researchers believe talc applied near the genitals may be able to migrate all the way to the ovaries by way of the vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes.

Based on the available research, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies the perineal use of talc-based powder as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”

Johnson & Johnson, the maker of some of the most recognized brands of talcum powder, has begun to face some large-scale products litigation over the issue of why talcum powder is dangerous. First to file was plaintiff Deane B. of South Dakota.

Deane said she had used Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower, both products of defendant Johnson & Johnson, practically every day for decades. In 2006, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Her talcum powder lawsuit alleged Johnson & Johnson should have put a warning on the label alerting women to the possible risk of ovarian cancer. The jury found J&J had been negligent by not warning consumers about the risk of cancer.

While the same jury declined to award Deane damages, other plaintiffs have had more success in more recent talcum powder lawsuits. In May 2016, one cancer survivor was awarded $55 million in damages, and a $72 million award was granted earlier in February.