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Talcum powder is a soft, white powder make from talc, a mineral composed primarily of magnesium, silicon and oxygen. In powder form, talc absorbs moisture and helps avoid friction on the skin, making it useful for preventing rashes. Due to these qualities, it is frequently used in cosmetic and personal hygiene products such as baby powder and many other adult skin care products.
Scientific researchers have established that women who applied talcum powder to their genitals, underwear, and sanitary napkins have a 30 – 60% greater risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who did not use talc-based products for personal hygiene.
Due to its soothing properties, ability to absorb moisture and fresh smell, talcum powder has been a staple in bathrooms and nurseries of Canadians for decades. Its versatility has lead women, mothers, and caregivers to use it domestically to soothe common ailments such as diaper rash and other minor skin irritations.
Talcum powder can be applied directly on skin or sprinkled on material. It is used as a cosmetic product to absorb bad odours and keep skin dry when used after changing babies' diapers and when sprinkled on underwear or shoes. It is also used as a lubricant in contraceptive devices such as condoms and diaphragms to reduce friction. It is also found in skin care products such as face powders and eye shadow.
Talc can cause respiratory issues, especially in infants. The inhalation of the powder during normal application can cause wheezing, coughing and even lung irritation.
Long-term exposure to talc can cause pneumonia and even asthma symptoms. More recently, the long-term use of talcum powder has been linked to ovarian cancer.
Although body powders and feminine hygiene products containing talc have been a staple for decades in both bathrooms and nurseries in Canadian households, studies have linked the use of talc for feminine hygiene purposes with an elevated risk of ovarian cancer.
Once applied to the genital area directly or on material, sanitary napkins, condoms or diaphragms, the talc powder particles travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovaries. From there, it settles into the ovarian tissue, taking years to dissolve, and causing chronic inflammation. A number of studies have established that the long-term use of talcum powder increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer by 30–60% and that up to 10% of ovarian cancer is believed to be talc-related.In 2006, the Canadian government classified talc as a "D2A", "very toxic", and "cancer-causing" substance under the Hazardous Products Act and associated Controlled Products Regulations - the same classification as asbestos.
Despite having been repeatedly warned about the link between their products and ovarian cancer, manufacturers such as Johnson & Johnson have continued to market and sell body powders and feminine hygiene products containing talc, expressly denying the fact that talc significantly increases the risk of this type of cancer in women.
As a result of these findings, a number of lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson and other manufacturers of similar products, alleging that these companies had knowledge of the link between ovarian cancer and the use of their talc-based products for decades, without warning consumers of that risk.
Currently, more than 1,000 women across the U.S. have filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson in relation to the use of talcum powder and the development of ovarian cancer.
It is alleged that the pharmaceutical giant continues to sell and market its baby powder as a product that is safe for women and babies to use despite the evidence linking talc to the risks associated with the use of talcum powder.
In Missouri, two juries reached the same verdict – that talcum powder is linked to the development of ovarian cancer and therefore Johnson & Johnson was liable for negligence, conspiracy and failure to warn women of the potential risk of using Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder in the genital area.
In New Jersey, ovarian cancer survivor Gloria Ristesund was awarded $55 million in a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson.
One victim of Johnson & Johnson's negligence, Jacqueline Fox, was not as lucky and passed away shortly after her diagnosis. The court awarded $10 million in compensatory damages and an additional $62 million in punitive damages to the Plaintiff's Estate.
Talcum powder has been linked to ovarian cancer and other serious conditions. If you or a family member used talcum powder and were subsequently harmed, you may be eligible for compensation.
If you wish to obtain more information on potential compensation or to be kept advised of the status of this class action lawsuit, please provide fill out the form below.