Johnson & Johnson is facing a new product liability claim from a Washington woman alleging the company failed to warn her against talc cancer risk. The woman filed this talcum powder cancer lawsuit after discovering the company may have known about the talc cancer risk associated with their baby powder and Shower to Shower powder for years.

Plaintiff Jane W. alleges she was not warned against thetalc cancer risk at any point in time, which allegdly contributed to her developing ovarian cancer. According to the talcum powder lawsuit, Jane used the talc powder products since 1968 for typical hygienic purposes.

One of these purposes was applying the powder to her genital area to reduce odor and friction, which allegedly increased the talc cancer risk. For over a century, Johnson & Johnson has marketed its talcum powder products for various hygienic treatment purposes including: odor, wetness, rash, and dry skin.

According to the company’s marketing statements, women can use talcum powder to feel “fresh and comfortable” and can use the product to treat unwanted odors and wetness.

Johnson & Johnson also stated their talcum powder products were safe and effective for “women as well as babies,” with the powder being able to “absorb excess moisture helping skin feel comfortable.” Relying on these and similar marketing statements, Jane and numerous other women claim they applied the powder to their genital area without knowing the talc cancer risk.

Jane says she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in August 2016 and has since had to contend with numerous procedures and treatments for cancer. Jane opted to file this talcum powder cancer lawsuit after discovering there had been multiple studies indicating a significant talc cancer risk and that Johnson & Johnson did nothing to warn the public.

Overview of Talc Cancer Risk

Researchers theorize that when talcum powder is applied to the female genital area, talc particles may enter the body. These particles may migrate to the woman’s ovaries, and may trigger the development of cancer cells after a certain amount of years.

There have been multiple studies conducted over the years that suggest using the common product for female hygiene purposes could drastically increase the potential talc cancer risk. One of the earliest studies was published in 1972, with at least 21 other studies showing similar chances for talc cancer risk since.

In addition to the studies, scientists also noted talc may have a similar nature to asbestos and therefore carry an increased likelihood of being a carcinogenic. Johnson & Johnson was reportedly aware of these studies, but did not include or mention them on their talcum powder products.

Even though ovarian cancer can be devastating for women, Johnson & Johnson allegedly did not include any mentioning of talc cancer risk on the product’s label. Jane states she would not have used the company’s talcum powder products, if she had known about the potential talc cancer risk.

This Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-06036-RJB, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington at Tacoma.