It could be surprising for some to learn that talcum powder, a product used for generations, could be a carcinogen.

This came to light in a recent lawsuit in which plaintiff Deane Berg was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 49. She said she used Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products for 32 years.

A federal jury found that talcum powder contributed to her ovarian cancer. The jury said that Johnson & Johnson should warn consumers of the link between ovarian cancer and the use of talc-based powder.

Doctors analyzed Berg’s cancer tissue and found that the body powder was the cause. During the trial, Johnson & Johnson argued that talc is safe and that there is no research that should warrant a warning to consumers. Though Johnson & Johnson said it was aware of studies showing the risk, the company contended that the link was unproven and does not warrant a warning.

According to the plaintiff’s lawyer, Berg never would have used the products if there was a warning.

Harvard University researcher and professor Dr. Daniel Cramer, a gynecologist and epidemiologist, and a testified that talcum powder could be a contributing factor in 10,000 cases of ovarian cancer every year.

The possible link between talcum powder and cancer has been the subject of about 20 studies. However, the American Cancer Society does not list talcum powder as a cancer-causing agent. In 2007, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) said that talc is possibly carcinogenic to humans.

A study in 2009 led by Dr. Margaret Gates from Harvard Medical School found that women who used talcum powder around their genital area had a 40 percent higher risk of getting ovarian cancer.

Berg’s talcum powder lawsuit did not seek punitive or compensatory damages.

This baby powder lawsuit is Berg v. Johnson & Johnson, et al., Case No. 4:09-CV-04179, in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota.

Baby Powder Class Action Lawsuit Investigation Launched

A baby powder class action lawsuit investigation has been launched to explore the possibility of legal action against the manufacturers of various talcum powder products. Legal experts are seeking women who used Johnson’s Baby Powder or Shower-to-Shower body powder and were later diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Such a class action lawsuit could allege that manufacturers were aware of the risk of ovarian cancer and continued to market their products anyway, endangering the lives of women for a profit.

If you or a loved one used either Johnson’s Baby Powder or Shower-to-Shower Body Powder and then suffered from ovarian cancer, you have almost certainly been through a trying ordeal. Ovarian cancer is a serious medical crisis that requires extensive medical care. In addition to the emotional strain of such a situation, it also carries substantial financial burdens, including hospital bills, lost wages, and possibly even final expenses.

Regardless of the challenges you are facing, it is important to remember that you still have rights, and there are steps that you can take to regain a measure of control over your situation. You can start by visiting the Baby Powder Danger: Johnson’s Baby Powder Cancer, Shower to Shower Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. Here, you can enter information about your situation for a legal review by a trained expert with a background in this type of litigation. The initial consultation is completely free of charge, and can give you valuable legal guidance on the best steps to take in your exact situation.