Talcum Powder

Talcum powder is used in facial powders, body powders, cosmetics, feminine washes, and other consumer products. Talcum powder absorbs moisture and is often used to help reduce fabric chafing against the skin. Products containing talcum powder are linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer in women.

Several talcum powder lawyers have filed lawsuits against makers of talc-based products. Johnson & Johnson faces thousands of legal claims from consumers whose lives have been affected by these dangerous products. Though the company stopped sales of this product in North America, the legal fight for compensation continues for injured consumers.

The talcum powder lawyers at Ferrer, Poirot & Wansbrough can help if you or your family member developed ovarian cancer after using talcum powder. We’re here to protect your rights to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages. We’re available to speak with you 24 hours a day, seven days a week—just dial (800) 210-8503 or complete a free initial consultation form.

How Does Talcum Powder Cause Cancer?

While talc can naturally contain asbestos, a cancer-causing substance, consumer products containing talc have been asbestos-free since the 1970s. But recent research shows that modern, asbestos-free talc products may increase the risk of ovarian cancer in women when used in the genital area.

Talc doesn’t break down in the body, and it can travel through a woman’s vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes into her ovaries, causing irritation and possibly cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies the genital use of talc-based body powder as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”

Research into whether or not asbestos-free talc causes cancer is ongoing, but the American Cancer Society states that a combination of data from 16 studies concluded that women who use talc products face a 30 percent higher risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who don’t use talc.

$127 Million in Talc Powder Cancer Lawsuit Verdicts

In 2016, jurors awarded the family of a 62-year-old woman who died from ovarian cancer a landmark $72 million in damages. According to court records, the victim had used talcum powder products for feminine hygiene for more than three decades.

During the trial, evidence showed Johnson & Johnson, the talcum powder manufacturer, knew about the ovarian cancer risk for decades but failed to warn consumers.

Less than three months later, Johnson & Johnson faced its second consecutive trial loss. A Missouri jury found the company liable for $55 million in damages to a woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer after she routinely used the company’s talcum powder for decades. Now in remission, the victim required a hysterectomy and other surgical procedures as part of her treatment.

April 2020 Ruling Keeps Lawsuits Moving Forward

In April 2020, a New Jersey judge issued a ruling that allows thousands of plaintiffs to move forward with legal action against Johnson & Johnson. More than 16,000 talcum powder lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson across the U.S.

The company sought to have the plaintiffs’ expert witnesses barred from testifying. Thanks to this ruling, experts are allowed to testify, and people who suffered due to Johnson & Johnson’s product will have their day in court.

Johnson & Johnson Stops Selling Talc-Based Baby Powder

In May 2020, Johnson & Johnson announced it was discontinuing sales of its talc-based baby powder in North America. The company said that the discontinuation is not due to safety concerns, though it acknowledged the decreased popularity of its product. Johnson & Johnson also said that stores can sell their remaining inventories of talc-based baby powder.

Despite Johnson & Johnson’s claim that the halt of sales wasn’t because of the thousands of lawsuits it’s facing, advocates for talc-based product victims see the discontinuation as a victory. At Ferrer, Poirot & Wansbrough, we know that this is not the end of the story for those harmed because of this dangerous product.

Our team of talcum powder lawyers is committed to getting injured consumers compensation for the harm they’ve suffered because of talc-based products.

What Talc Products Should I Know About?

Products used in the genital area that can contain talc include:

• baby powder
• body powders, such as Shower to Shower^®
• condoms
• diaphragms
• feminine washes
• sanitary napkins
• tampons
• vaginal deodorants

Experience You Can Trust

Ferrer, Poirot & Wansbrough has more than 35 years of experience holding corporations accountable when their negligence causes injuries. If you or a loved one developed ovarian cancer after using talcum powder, our ovarian cancer attorneys are here to fight for you.

You won’t pay unless we get money for you. Schedule a consultation to contact our talcum powder lawyers today.

Shower to Shower^® is a registered trademark of Valeant Consumer Products and is used here only to identify the product in question.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with the International Agency for Research on Cancer; Johnson & Johnson; Reuters; or Valeant Consumer Products.

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.