Johnson & Johnson is facing a new talc cancer lawsuit from a woman alleging the company failed to warn her of the dangerous nature of their product. The woman filed this talc cancer lawsuit after allegedly discovering the company either knew or should have known the risk of ovarian cancer in conjunction with certain uses of talcum powder, but had failed to warn the general public.

Plaintiff Carol B. opted to file the talc cancer lawsuit after discovering other patients may have developed ovarian cancer that may have been directly caused by one of the product’s typical treatment purposes.

According to the talc cancer lawsuit, Carol had started using the company’s talcum powder products for feminine hygiene purposes beginning in January 1951 all the way up to 2015.

This was a typical use of the company’s baby powder and shower to shower products, with Johnson & Johnson using marketing statements such as “a sprinkle a day keeps odor away.” Johnson & Johnson would often use terms like “freshness” and “comfort” in conjunction with talcum powder products, stating talcum powder can reduce wetness and friction in the genital area.

Carol alleges Johnson & Johnson had marketed these talcum powder products using these statements for decades, leaving many women believing talcum powder was a safe and effective use for feminine hygiene. Like numerous other women in the United States, Carol says she applied the company’s talcum powder product to her genital area.

However, regular use for this purpose allegedly resulted in Carol developing ovarian cancer, which was diagnosed in June 2010. Carol says she used the product up until she learned of talcum powder’s alleged correlation with ovarian cancer, which spurred her to file this talc cancer lawsuit.

Overview of Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Correlation

Talc is a mineral that is ground up into fine powder for hygienic uses, and has a number of different applications. Talcum powder is used to treat dry skin and diaper rash, and has also been utilized for personal feminine hygiene.

However, this particular use has allegedly resulted in ovarian cancer for some women, with Johnson & Johnson allegedly being aware of the correlation for years. Researchers believe that when talcum powder is applied to the woman’s genital area, the talc particles enter the body and eventually travel up to the ovaries. After a certain number of years, the talc particles may fester and evolve into cancer cells.

Since 1982, there have been over 27 studies conducted indicating a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. In each of these studies, researchers found a higher risk of ovarian cancer incidence in women who used talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes.

In addition, studies have pointed out that talc particles may be similar in nature to asbestos, which is a known carcinogen in the United States. Johnson & Johnson was made aware of these studies and had the option of using cornstarch instead of talc, but allegedly chose to continue marketing their talc based products.

At all times relevant, Carol says she used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products for approved purposes and followed all instructions provided. Carol states she would not have used the company’s talcum powder products, if she had known the alleged link to ovarian cancer.

This Talc Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-00409-RC, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.