Johnson & Johnson, the makers of the company’s baby powder product, faces a recent talc cancer lawsuit by a man filed on behalf of his deceased spouse alleging that she developed ovarian cancer and subsequently died because of her use of the product.

Plaintiff Jerry R. files the talc cancer lawsuit as the personal representative of the estate of Rosie R. The talc cancer lawsuit was filed in New Jersey federal court joining a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) against the company. The lawsuit was filed on May 24, 2018.

According to the talc cancer lawsuit, Rosie was a resident and citizen for the state of Maryland. She allegedly began using J&J’s baby powder product in 1980. She continued its use up until 2013. However, she became diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2011 and subsequently died on July 15, 2016, Jerry says.

The talc cancer lawsuit was filed on multiple counts including failure to warn, defective manufacturer and design, breach of express warranties, breach of implied warranties, negligence, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and violation of state consumer protections laws of the state of Maryland.

Other counts also include fraudulent concealment, civil conspiracy, punitive damages, wrongful death and survival action. Jerry demands a trial by jury.

Overview: Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and Talc Cancer

Jerry’s talc cancer lawsuit is filed as part of a large multidistrict litigation, or MDL, centered on allegations that J&J’s baby powder, a talcum based product, causes increased risks for the development of ovarian cancer.

The talc cancer lawsuits partly base their allegations of talc’s ability to cause ovarian cancer on a report by the International Association for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization’s categorization of talc-based body powder as a “Group 2B” human carcinogen.

Talc is one of the main components of J&J’s baby powder product. For decades, it’s been used as a component in cosmetic products because of its ability to reduce friction and absorb moisture.

According to the American Cancer Society, talcum powder is a mineral composed of mainly silicon, oxygen and magnesium. It helps keep skin dry, prevent rashes and is extensively used in adult body and facial powders. However, the natural form of talc is known to contain asbestos, a carcinogenic substance that may cause lung cancer when inhaled.

Although talcum products have been free of asbestos since the 1970s, there are concerns that women who use talcum-based baby powder, like Johnson & Johnson’s have an increased risk for developing ovarian cancer. Studies have shown that this seems to be the case.

According to the American Cancer Society, “It 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, diaphragms, or condoms) were to travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovary.”

The Talc Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-09634, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The Johnson & Johnson talc powder MDL is in re: Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2738, in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.