Two recent multi-million dollar jury awards are drawing more attention to the possibility that ordinary talc powder may be linked to ovarian cancer.

In its natural form, talc powder contains asbestos, which has been known as a carcinogen for years. Such asbestos-containing talc powder can certainly lead to cancer if it is inhaled.

Fortunately, the talc used in today’s consumer products is required to be free from asbestos and has been since the 1970s.

The current wave of talc powder lawsuits raises a different issue. Generally, plaintiffs in these lawsuits aren’t accusing the manufacturers of leaving any cancer-causing asbestos in the final product.

Rather, they allege the talc itself could be causing cancer.

Some scientists theorize that when women use talc powder near their genital area – whether for personal hygiene purposes or applied through use of diaphragms, condoms or sanitary napkins – the talc may be able to migrate through the vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes to the ovaries.

There the talc may be able to cause inflammation, which increases the risk of cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer now classifies use of talc powder in the genital area as “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” and the American Cancer Society says more research is needed.

The possible connection between talcum powder and ovarian cancer is just one pivotal issue in the current round of talc powder lawsuits. Also at issue is whether manufacturer Johnson & Johnson did what it should have to inform consumers about the possible risks.

Talc Powder Litigation Questions Ovarian Cancer Link

In February 2016, a jury in Missouri awarded the family of a deceased talc powder user $72 million in damages, on the theory that the woman’s use of a talc-containing product led to the ovarian cancer that ultimately took her life.

The woman, Jacqueline F. of Alabama, began the talc powder lawsuit herself but died while her claim was still pending.

Jacqueline alleged she spent decades using Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower powder for feminine hygiene.

She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer about three years ago, and took legal action against the product’s manufacturer. Her son continued to litigate her claim after she died in October 2015.

In a statement in response to the jury award, Johnson & Johnson said it strongly disagrees with the outcome. The company maintains that scientific research supports the idea that talc powder is safe for use as a cosmetic ingredient.

More recently, another Missouri jury has issued a damage award for plaintiff Gloria R. of South Dakota. Gloria was awarded $55 million after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer following years of alleged talc powder use.

Gloria’s attorney says that researchers had been investigating the possible link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer since the 1970s. He says internal documents from Johnson & Johnson show the company was aware of those studies.

But instead of alerting consumers to the possible risks, he says, Johnson & Johnson marketed its talc powder products even more heavily towards demographic groups most at risk for developing ovarian cancer.

Johnson & Johnson says it will appeal the jury’s decision.

Additionally, the company still faces about 1,200 claims alleging a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer.