Which Talcum Powder Brands are Affected?
Many products are marketed as body powder, including Johnson & Johnson’s leading brand “Shower to Shower.” Johnson & Johnson also makes a wide variety of powders that are sold under the umbrella of Johnson’s Baby Powder. These products are generally used to prevent or treat rashes, but many women also use talcum powder for personal hygiene and cosmetics.
What is the Main Ingredient Causing Health Problems?
At the heart of these talcum powder lawsuits is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate, otherwise known as talc. When used for feminine hygiene, talc may pose serious and potentially life-threatening health problems.
On May 2, 2016, a Missouri jury hit Johnson & Johnson with a $55 million verdict over claims linking talcum powder to ovarian cancer. The verdict included $50 million in punitive damages to the plaintiff, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2011 after using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder product for 40 years.
Johnson & Johnson was slapped with a $75 million verdict in February 2016 by another Missouri jury over the same talcum powder product. Johnson & Johnson continues to deny the link between its products and ovarian cancer.
What is the Link Between Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer?
In the early 1970s, researchers found talc embedded in 75 percent of all ovarian tumors studied. Manufacturers have continued to sell talc body powder as a safe product. Several studies and reports show that talc applied to a woman’s genital area may travel through the vagina and into the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. A 2013 study published in Cancer Prevention Research found that women who used talcum body powder for feminine hygiene could face as much as a 30 percent greater risk of ovarian cancer compared to those who do not apply talc. In addition to ovarian cancer, some studies have reported that talcum powder may have similar effects to asbestos and could cause mesothelioma.
Why Choose Langdon & Emison for Help with Your Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
Langdon & Emison is recognized as one of the nation’s leading personal injury law firms. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have successfully represented clients across the country in cases involving defective drugs and other instances of negligence. Our verdicts and settlements across an array of personal injury litigation total more than $700 million.
Clients come to us because they receive the personal attention they deserve when dealing with a tragedy or difficult circumstance. We are not a call center. We work with our clients one-on-one and give each of them a dedicated team of legal assistants, paralegals and attorneys. We take as much time as needed to listen and gather all of the facts about your case, and we are quick to respond when you have questions or require assistance. To learn more about talcum powder lawsuits or for a free case evaluation, contact us at 866-931-2115. You can also complete the form on this page or click on the chat button to the right.