Scientific studies have yielded mixed answers to the question of whether talc-based baby powder is linked to ovarian cancer.

Talc has certain chemical properties in common with asbestos, a known carcinogen. Both compounds are found together in nature, and prior to increasing regulation of asbestos in the 1970s, talcum powder and other talc products sometimes contained traces of asbestos.

In one study that did find evidence of a baby powder ovarian cancerlink, researchers recommended more formal public health warnings. J&J continues to argue that the scientific evidence shows talc is safe for cosmetic use, however.

Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Allegations

Recently, a Missouri jury awarded $72 million to the family of a woman who died of ovarian cancer that was allegedly linked to her use of baby powder.

Part of that award represents $62 million in punitive damages assessed against defendant Johnson & Johnson. The company manufactured Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower, both talcum-based powders at issue in the case.

The remaining $10 million will go to the family of the late Jacqueline F., the original plaintiff in the case. Jacqueline died of ovarian cancer in October 2015, while her baby powder lawsuit was still pending.

Jacqueline had alleged that she used Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower for feminine hygiene for over 35 years. She believed that use of baby powder was the cause of the ovarian cancer she was diagnosed with three years ago.

An internal J&J memo released in the course of Jacqueline’s trial allegedly stated that denying a link between baby powder and ovarian cancer would amount to “denying the obvious in the face of all evidence to the contrary,” similar to denying a link between smoking and other types of cancer.

An attorney working with Jacqueline’s family said that J&J knew as early as the 1980s of a possible risk of cancer yet failed to properly address that risk with regulatory agencies and the public at large.

The jury was apparently satisfied with those arguments enough to impose liability on J&J for fraud, negligence and conspiracy.

Other Talcum Powder Lawsuits Continue

Lawyers involved in Jacqueline’s case say this is the first award of damages issued in a trial over the alleged link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. In the first such case to go to trial, a South Dakota jury awarded no damages, even though it found that the plaintiff’s use of J&J talcum powder had been a factor in her cancer.

Plaintiffs in this and similar cases allege that J&J purposely concealed information about the possible link between baby powder and ovarian cancer, in an effort to avoid harming sales of its talcum powder products. These plaintiffs challenge not only the science J&J relies on but also the way J&J handled the information.

Several other baby powder lawsuits are pending over similar allegations. About 1,000 such cases are still pending in Missouri, and another 200 are pending in J&J’s home state of New Jersey. Several of these cases are scheduled to go to trial later this year.