Talcum Powder Mass Tort Investigation

The use of talcum powder for feminine hygiene has been found to cause ovarian cancer and other gynecological cancers, and tens of thousand of women around the nation have banded together to file talcum powder cancer claims against Johnson & Johnson. In April of 2023, following a decade of hard work, more than a dozen major court cases, and the tragic deaths of many plaintiffs from talcum powder cancer, Johnson & Johnson has finally come to the table to reach a settlement. A landmark trust of $8.9 billion has been established to provide compensation to approximately 70,000 victims of talcum powder ovarian cancer as well as any future cases that arise. Women who have suffered and died as a result of talcum powder ovarian cancer now have a clear pathway to seeking compensation for their suffering and losses.

If you or a loved one used Talcum Powder and have developed ovarian cancer and other gynecological cancers, contact Shamis & Gentile, P.A. today for a Free case review.

What is Talcum Powder?

Talcum powder is a common household item that has been used for decades in personal hygiene products. However, recent studies have linked talcum powder to cancer, specifically ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. As a result, thousands of women have filed lawsuits against manufacturers of talcum powder, claiming that the companies knew about the risks associated with talc use but failed to warn consumers. In this article, we will delve into the history of talcum powder and the lawsuits that have been filed against manufacturers.

History of Talcum Powder

Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral that is composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. It is widely used in cosmetic and personal care products, including baby powder, body powder, and makeup. The use of talcum powder dates back to ancient times, when it was used by the Egyptians and Greeks for its absorbent properties.

In the 1800s, Johnson & Johnson began selling talcum powder as a sanitary product for women. It was marketed as a way to prevent feminine odor and irritation. Since then, talcum powder has become a staple in many households, especially for women.

However, in recent years, talcum powder has been linked to cancer. Studies have shown that talc particles can travel through the reproductive system and reach the ovaries, where they can cause inflammation and potentially lead to the development of ovarian cancer.

Link between Talcum powder and Cancer

The link between talcum powder and cancer has been studied for several decades. In 1971, researchers found talc particles in ovarian tumors for the first time. Since then, several studies have been conducted to investigate the potential link between talcum powder and cancer.

In 2003, a study published in the journal Anticancer Research found that women who used talcum powder for feminine hygiene had a 33% increased risk of ovarian cancer. In 2016, a jury awarded $72 million to the family of a woman who died of ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder for years.

In addition to ovarian cancer, talcum powder has also been linked to mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, and abdomen. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral that is often found in talc deposits. Asbestos can contaminate talc during the mining process, which can then lead to exposure in people who use talcum powder.

Talcum Powder Lawsuits

As a result of the link between talcum powder and cancer, thousands of women have filed lawsuits against manufacturers of talcum powder. These lawsuits allege that the companies knew about the risks associated with talc use but failed to warn consumers.

Johnson & Johnson is one of the largest manufacturers of talcum powder and has been the subject of numerous lawsuits. In 2018, a Missouri jury awarded $4.7 billion to 22 women who claimed that Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder caused their ovarian cancer. In 2020, Johnson & Johnson announced that it would no longer sell talcum powder in the United States and Canada.

Other talcum powder manufacturers, including Imerys Talc America, have also faced lawsuits. In 2019, Imerys Talc America filed for bankruptcy as a result of the talcum powder lawsuits. The company had been a major supplier of talc to Johnson & Johnson.

Shamis & Gentile, P.A. Talcum Powder Lawsuit Free Case Review

One of the main legal issues in talcum powder lawsuits is causation. In order to prove that talcum powder caused a woman’s cancer, the plaintiff must show that she was exposed to talcum powder and that the talcum powder was a substantial factor in causing her cancer.

If you or a loved one used Talcum Powder and have developed ovarian cancer and other gynecological cancers, contact Shamis & Gentile, P.A. today for a Free case review.