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Cancer Linked to Talc Powder in Johnson & Johnson Products

Published: Dec 15, 2017 in Product Liability

Talc is comprised of silicon, magnesium, hydrogen, and oxygen and is often used in baby powder, cosmetics, feminine products, and contraceptives. When talc is ground into a powder, it is effective for absorbing moisture and odors, and reducing chafing.

Although Johnson & Johnson has stated that its talc-based baby powder and Shower to Shower body powder are safe for regular feminine hygiene use, several studies have shown a correlation between talc powder and ovarian cancer.

If you believe that you or someone you love has been hurt by a Johnson & Johnson product that contains talc powder, it is in your best interest to contact our Belleville product liability lawyers today at (618) 767-6293.

Talc Powder and Ovarian Cancer

In 1982, Dr. Daniel Cramer of Harvard University published a study that showed a direct connection between talc powder and ovarian cancer. Cramer found that due to the fact that talc does not break down in the body, talc particles can travel through a woman’s vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes and into her ovaries, leading to irritation and increasing her risk of ovarian cancer.

He met with a Johnson & Johnson executive to discuss his findings, but unfortunately, Johnson & Johnson denied the link and continued to sell its products without warning consumers.

Johnson & Johnson Owes Family of Missouri Woman $72 Million

Recently, the Missouri appeals court ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $72 million in damages to the family of Jacqueline Fox, a woman who lost her life due to ovarian cancer that she believes was caused by the talc found in the Johnson & Johnson talc-based baby powder and Shower to Shower body powder that she has used for more than 35 years.

Fox passed away before her case went to trial. She represented the first favorable jury verdict in the procession of lawsuits filed against Johnson & Johnson. Since then, jurors have returned verdicts totaling approximately $300 million in trials related to talc-based Johnson & Johnson products and ovarian cancer.

Johnson & Johnson argued that the FDA has stated that the link between talc and ovarian cancer has yet to be proven. The company also argued that even if it had warned customers of the possible correlation between talc and cancer, consumers would have continued to use Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products despite that knowledge of the potentially harmful nature of those products.

After looking at Johnson & Johnson’s internal documents that proved that the company was aware of the possible link between talc and cancer for years yet did nothing to warn its customers of the harm, the juries deliberated and returned verdicts in amounts that they determined to be fair and just in light of the evidence presented.

Contact The Cates Law Firm, LLC

If you believe you have a potential lawsuit related to talc powder and ovarian cancer, we encourage you to contact a Belleville class action lawyer from The Cates Law Firm, LLC right away. We’ll determine whether a product liability or class action lawsuit makes sense for you, and we will help you hold the manufacturer accountable for your damages. Contact us today at (618) 767-6293 to schedule a consultation about your case.