Johnson & Johnson faces a new lawsuit alleging that their products caused fatal talcum powder ovarian cancer.

Plaintiff Edwin B. recently filed a suit on behalf of his deceased wife, Patricia K., alleging that Johnson & Johnson baby powder caused her to develop talcum powder ovarian cancer from which she died. Edwin also names Imerys Talc in his lawsuit, the mining company that allegedly provides talc to Johnson & Johnson.

Johnson & Johnson is a company which manufactures and sells products in a variety of different industries. They market their baby powder as a “symbol of freshness and comfort” to eliminate friction on the skin. The lawsuit alleges that Johnson & Johnson targets women in their advertising by stating “For you, use every day to help feel soft, fresh, and comfortable”.

Edwin alleges that his wife used Johnson & Johnson’s powder products from the 1950s up until February 2016. By 2009, he claims, she had developed talcum powder ovarian cancer. Patricia died on Apr. 27, 2016.

Ovarian cancer occurs when cells in the ovaries, which produce egg cells for reproduction, start to grow irregularly. This growth can become cancerous, forming malignant tumors on the organs. Common symptoms of early ovarian cancer include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, trouble eating, and urinary problems.

Ovarian cancer is typically treated with surgery and therapy (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc). The growth and stage of ovarian cancer will determine the best treatment route for each patient.

Edwin argues that talcum powder ovarian cancer has been a known risk for years but Johnson & Johnson refuses to take the product off the market. In 1982, the first major epidemiological study regarding the talcum powder ovarian cancer was performed. The study found that using talc powders on the genital area increased risk of ovarian cancer by 92 percent. Researchers allegedly advised Johnson & Johnson scientists to place a warning on its label.

Since that study in 1982, there have been 27 studies regarding the risks of talcum powder ovarian cancer, according to Edwin’s complaint. Nearly all of these studies have found an increase in risk for ovarian cancer associated with genital talc use in women.

Through scientific research, scientists have theorized that talc particles may travel up the female reproductive system into the ovaries where they cause cellular damage that leads to the development of ovarian cancer.

Edwin claims that Johnson & Johnson has purposefully hidden the risks of talcum powder ovarian cancer from the public. He argues that had Patricia known about the risks associated with using the product, she would not have used it for such a long period of time. Edwin argues that Johnson & Johnson is responsible for the damages he and his wife have sustained because of their alleged concealment.

Edwin accuses the defendants of products liability, breach of warranties, negligence, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, fraudulent concealment, civil conspiracy, loss of consortium, and wrongful death, and violation of Florida state consumer protection laws.

The Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-08285-FLW-LHG in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.