Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower body powder have recently been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Numerous product liability lawsuits are being filed against Johnson & Johnson for the adverse side effects caused by the company’s talc based products.

What is Talcum Powder?

Talcum powder is primarily made from talc, a naturally occurring mineral consisting of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. In its natural form talc contains asbestos, a toxic mineral known to cause several serious forms of cancer. Due to federal rules and regulations, all talc powders have been asbestos free since 1970.

Talc powder is widely used in women’s cosmetic products and many other consumer products. Talcum powder is great at absorbing moisture and is often used to keep skin dry and prevent rashes. Many women used talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes, sprinkling the powder on or near their genitals for moisture regulation and odor control.

According to the American Cancer Society’s website, many studies have been performed on women to determine whether a link exists between talc powder use and ovarian cancer. Some researchers believe that talc powder placed in the genital area or on sanitary napkins can travel into the vagina, through the uterus, to the fallopian tubes and the ovaries. Researchers believe that when this occurs the talcum powder triggers inflammation inside a woman’s body, creating an environment where cancer cells can flourish.

Overview of Ovarian Cancer

Statistics collected by the National Cancer Society estimated that in 2014 nearly 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed. Cancer statistics also estimated that in 2014 over 14,000 women died from ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer accounts for over 2.4 percent of all cancer deaths. Between 2004 and 2010, women diagnosed with ovarian cancer had a 44.6 percent chance of surviving longer than 5 years.

Risks of developing ovarian cancer are highest in women aged 55-64. Ovarian cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer related death in the female population and is the most deadly form of gynecological cancer. As with most cancers, the sooner a woman is diagnosed the greater her chances are of survival.

Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and Shower to Shower Powder Lawsuits

The potential dangers of talc based baby powder products like Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and Johnson’s Shower to Shower powder were unknown for decades. Now baby powder cancer lawsuits are being filed by women across the United States. These lawsuits generally allege Johnson & Johnson violated consumer protection laws. Claims against the company include failure to warn the medical community and general public of risks associated with using the product, negligence, breach of warranty, and products liability.

In some cases, women’s spouses my join these baby powder lawsuits as co-plaintiffs, bringing loss of consortium claims, or claims for loss of the spousal relationship. These claims are brought in hopes of receiving a larger award or settlement. Compensation received from Johnson & Johnson will help victims pay their past and future medical bills as well as begin to compensate victims for their pain and suffering.