Several baby powder lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson that allege its talcum-based baby powder caused plaintiffs to suffer from ovarian cancer.

The plaintiffs bringing these baby powder cancer lawsuits allege that Johnson & Johnson failed to warn consumers about the increased risk of developing ovarian canceron the product labels.

Baby powder is an item found in many US households.  Baby powder is not just used for infants but by many women for personal hygiene purposes.  The powder is often used to keep skin dry and rash free.

How Does Baby Powder Cause Ovarian Cancer?

According to the plaintiffs bringing a baby powder cancer lawsuit there are several studies dating back to the 1960s linking talcum based baby powders to ovarian cancer.

According to the studies women who use talcum based powders for an extended period of time have a 20-30 percent increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Talcum powder is made from the naturally occurring mineral talc.  Talc consists of the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen.  The mineral is often compared to asbestos fibers.

When women use talc powder on their genitals to absorb moisture, odor, and unwanted friction the talc particles may migrate into the woman’s body and become lodged in the tissue of the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes.

Once the particles are lodged in the tissue they can cause inflammation which creates an environment ripe for cancer cells to flourish.

Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuits

Judy H. is one of many plaintiffs to file baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson. Judy used talcum base powders for 60 years before being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November.

Judy alleges that had she known about the increased risks of developing ovarian cancer she never would have used the talc based product.  She claims that the lack of proper labeling is the reason she is filing a lawsuit.

Prior to Judy filing her Baby Powder lawsuit two other plaintiffs received large jury awards. One jury found the company liable for $72 million and $55 million to another.

Jaqueline F. was the first plaintiff who received $72 million.  The jury awarded $10 million in compensatory damages and $62 million in punitive damages.

Jaqueline used the baby powder for 35 years and passed away from ovarian cancer at the age of 62. The jury in Jaqueline’s case thought that some of the most damaging evidence for the defendants were inter-office memos that allegedly showed Johnson & Johnson higher ups were aware of the baby powder cancer link.

Gloria R. is another plaintiff that received significant compensation from bringing a baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit.

Gloria developed ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson talc based products.  Gloria is now in remission but had to undergo a hysterectomy after her diagnosis.

Women who used talc based powders and then developed ovarian cancer may be able to bring a baby powder lawsuit.  Successful plaintiffs may receive significant payouts in the form of damages.