Women who use baby powder for feminine hygiene may have a significantly greater risk for developing ovarian cancer, according to recent studies.

The main ingredient in Johnson & Johnson baby powder is talc, a substance that contains chemical similarities to asbestos. Talc particles have been discovered in 75 percent of biopsied ovarian cancer tumors yet the Johnson’s baby powder warning label only cautions users not to inhale the product and avoid contact with the eyes.

Women filing baby powder cancer lawsuits allege companies, like Johnson & Johnson, that sell talcum powder intentionally market the product for genital use despite research findings. Baby powder lawsuits claim that these companies failed to warn the public of the high risk of ovarian cancer associated with using their product.

Some researchers believe baby powder should be classified as a “possible carcinogen” when it comes to genital use.

Talcum Powder Dangers

An estimated 40 percent of women claim to use talcum powder on their genital area as a regular part of their hygiene routine. Consumers believe the product should come with talcum powder dangers warning; cautioning users of the ovarian cancer risk involved.

A recent study showed women who use talcum powder routinely for feminine hygiene had a 92 percent greater chance of developing ovarian cancer. Yet despite recent findings of talcum powder dangers, the product contains no warnings of baby powder ovarian cancer risks.

Researchers have also started making chemical comparisons between talc powder and asbestos, which is a material believed to be linked to mesothelioma cancer. Studies show baby powder is extremely dangerous when inhaled as it can take up to eight years for a single talc particle to dissolve in a human lung. These findings have left consumers feeling mislead of the safety of the products that are marketed for daily use.

Ovarian Cancer Causes

The American Cancer Society reports that nearly 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed in the United States last year alone. With cancer studies on the rise, one of the ovarian cancer causes may be linked to the use of talcum powder.

Researchers have reported that talcum particles can travel from the vagina into the reproductive area leaving women vulnerable to ovarian cancer risks. Tiny talc particles have been discovered deep within the pelvis and ovaries in some women which studies show may allow cancer cells to thrive.

Nearly 14,000 women in the United States died from ovarian cancer last year. It is usually undetected until a later stage of development but according to the Mayo Clinic, ovarian cancer does carry some symptoms including:

• Weight loss
• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Quickly feeling full when eating
• A frequent need to urinate
• Discomfort in the pelvis area
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• Baby Powder Class Action Lawsuits

Baby powder class action lawsuits are currently being filed by plaintiffs who claim manufacturers, like Johnson & Johnson, failed to give any warning about the possibility of developing ovarian cancer due to use of the product. Some consumers believe slogans like Shower to Shower’s “just a sprinkle a day helps keep odor away” shows the company designed and marketed the product to be used daily on the genital area despite the ovarian cancer risks involved.

Class action lawsuits seek financial compensation to help pay for medical bills, lost wages and other costs associated with plaintiff’s developing ovarian cancer and their use of talcum powder products.