Is there a Link between Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer?

by Matthew Dolman on Aug. 29, 2014

Accident & Injury Products Liability Accident & Injury Accident & Injury  Personal Injury 

Summary: A product that is or has been in almost every household in the United States is now facing a class action lawsuit due to the possibly of its carcinogenic nature.

A product that is or has been in almost every household in the United States is now facing a class action lawsuit due to the possibly of its carcinogenic nature. Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder is currently facing a class action lawsuit alleging that their talcum-based powder can cause ovarian cancer. The lawsuit was filed by plaintiff Mona Estrada seeking compensation for medical costs and other damages due to her ovarian cancer that she alleges was caused by using Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder.

Baby powder comes in two variations. The first is primarily made with cornstarch and pretty much harmless. The second variation, which primarily consists of Talcum powder, is naturally occurring mineral related to asbestos and rich in silica, and is very effective in drying up moisture. However, the human body is incapable of breaking down these compounds. This can cause serious health problems, and there has been research linking the regular use of talcum powder on the genitals to ovarian cancer.

TALCUM POWDER AND OVARIAN CANCER

A Harvard University study, led by Dr. Margaret A. Gates, found that there was a 36 to 41 percent chance increase in the risk of women to develop ovarian cancer if they regularly used talcum powder near their genitals. Other studies have also shown that when cancer cells are exposed to talcum powder, they tend to react by spreading and multiplying at a faster rate than they do normally. Also, in a 1996 study, when women’s ovaries were removed for further examination, evidence of talcum powder was present in every single examined ovary.

In Estrada’s lawsuit, it claims that the manufacturer Johnson & Johnson knew about the carcinogenic properties of its baby powder, yet still continued to market the product to the public anyway. This is not the first time Johnson & Johnson has faced litigation regarding their talcum powder products. In 2009, attorney Allen Smith, Jr. filed a toxic tort against talcum mining companies, refineries, manufacturers, and distributors. Last year, a federal jury in Sioux Falls, S.D. found that there was indeed a link between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer.

Estrada’s litigation against Johnson & Johnson has taken the form of a class action lawsuit, meaning it can combine tens, hundreds, or even thousands of potential lawsuits. This usually occurs when plaintiffs have alleged that they suffered similar harm or injuries at the hands of the same party.

CONTACT CLEARWATER TALCUM POWDER LITIGATION LAWYERS

When a company knowingly markets a potentially harmful product that is widely used across the United States, they need to be held responsible for any damages that they inflict on the consumers. Many women have incorporated talcum powder into their lives, unknowingly increasing their risk of ovarian cancer while doing so.

If you or any women you know have developed ovarian cancer and believe that it was due to the use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder, or any talcum powder for good measure, it is vital that you contact an experienced talcum powder litigation attorney.

At Dolman Law Group, our team of attorneys will help guide you to the steps needed to get you the compensation you deserve. We have the resources to take on the largest of manufacturers and insurance companies, and are not afraid to litigate.

Call us today at 727-451-6900, or use our online contact form, for a free and confidential consultation on your talcum powder case.

Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
727-451-6900

http://www.dolmanlaw.com/practice-area/defective-medications-bad-drugs/baby-powder-talc-litigation/

 

 

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