Johnson & Johnson faces a new talc powder cancer lawsuit in Mississippi federal court joining a number of lawsuits already filed against the company.

Plaintiff Sherron D., a resident of Jackson County, Miss., filed the talc powder cancer lawsuit. The plaintiff says that Johnson & Johnson knew of the risk of ovarian cancer development following the use of the company’s baby powder product.

According to the talc powder cancer lawsuit, Sherron used J&J’s Baby Powder between 1975 and December 2015. She says that she used the product continuously and on a daily basis for feminine hygiene purposes.

Sherron says she used used J&J’s Baby Powder “by applying the Products to her body in accordance with the instructions for use that accompanied the Products and in a reasoanably foreseeable manner.”

However, in February 2004 she says she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

The talc powder cancer lawsuit was filed on multiple counts including failure to warn, defective design, negligence, gross negligence, breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty, strict liability, concert of action, civil conspiracy, negligent misrepresentation, fraudulent misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment, violations of Mississippi consumer fraud, and a request for punitive damages.

Sherron demands a trial by jury.

Overview: Talc Powder Cancer Lawsuits

Lawsuits filed against Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder product are centered on allegations that the product causes ovarian cancer. Allegations against J&J state that they failed to disclose its findings on the complications and adverse effects that may result from baby powder use, which includes the contraction of ovarian cancer from the use of its baby powder product.

These allegations stem from the fact that the product is composed almost entirely of talc, a material used in a variety of commercial and industrial products but one that has been linked in several studies to an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Talc is one of the main components of J&J’s baby powder product. It’s been used in a variety of cosmetic products because of its ability to absorb moisture and reduce friction. The natural form of talc is known to contain asbestos, a carcinogenic substance known to cause lung cancer when inhaled.

The talc powder cancer lawsuits, however, allege that J&J knew but failed to disclose findings that talc use causes complications and adverse side effects including ovarian cancer.

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 International Association for Research on Cancer (IARC) has also classified talc as a “Group 2B” human carcinogen.

Talc powder cancer lawsuits allege that J&J failed to disclose these findings.

The lawsuit iterates that the company allegedly hid this adverse side effect from the public and its consumers. Other side effects that have also been linked to talc use may also include low blood pressure, throat irritation, vomiting, twitching of facial muscles, chest pain, and the inability to urinate.

The Talc Powder Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-00187-LG-RHW, in the U.S. District Court for the Sourthern District of Mississippi.