The reported link between Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder and cancer has caused the company to face public backlash, including a recent lawsuit filed by a woman from Tennessee.

One of the most recent claims alleging a connection between the company’s baby powder and cancer was filed by a woman from Tennessee, who is currently contending with long term health complications.

Plaintiff Margie W. alleges Johnson & Johnson had known about the alleged correlation between their baby powder and cancer for decades, but failed to warn their customers.

She says this information was not provided on the labeling for the company’s talcum powder products, leaving Margie and other women vulnerable to the alleged carcinogenic effects of talcum powder.

According to the baby powder cancer lawsuit, Margie had regularly used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes from 1956 to 2001. This is a typical use of talcum powder, which she says was marketed by Johnson & Johnson as a safe and effective product for feminine hygiene purposes.

Due to this regular exposure, Margie says she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2000.

Overview of Baby Powder and Ovarian Cancer Correlation

The first study to suggest talcum powder products could be carcinogenic was conducted in 1971, finding a potential correlation between talc and ovarian cancer. Since 1982, there have been over 27 studies indicating an association between an increased risk of ovarian cancer and talcum powder. Talcum powder cancer research indicates that women who use talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes may face a 20 to 30 percent increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Researchers suspect that when talcum powder is applied to the woman’s genital area for feminine hygiene purposes, the talc particles travel up through the fallopian tubes and eventually settle into the ovaries. The particles may lodge in the ovarian tissue and stay there for years, possibly leading to ovarian cancer.

Even though there had been studies detailing the alleged carcinogenic effects of their talcum powder products for decades, plaintiffs like Margie allege Johnson & Johnson still aggressively marketing them for feminine hygiene purposes.

According to the baby powder cancer lawsuit, Johnson & Johnson has historically used statements like “a sprinkle a day keeps the odor away” and that the talcum powders help women feel “clean” and “fresh.”

Plaintiffs point out that Johnson & Johnson could have utilized cornstarch as a safe alternative, but still continues to use talc based products. Talc is a soft mineral that is mined and ground up into fine powder. It’s used as a cosmetic to prevent wetness, dry skin, and odor.

However, plaintiffs like Margie argue that the risk of cancer should be disclosed on Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products. Margie alleges Johnson & Johnson either knew or should have known about the potential dangers surrounding their product, but still failed to tell the public.

Margie is raising several claims against Johnson & Johnson, including counts of negligence failure to warn.

This Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-03140, in the U.S. District Court of Columbia.