For decades, many women have trusted baby powder, including Johnson & Johnson's Talcum Based Baby Powder, as a safe and gentle product for themselves and their babies. However, a growing number of cases have linked talcum powder usage to ovarian cancer, prompting concerns and calls for justice. In recent developments, Johnson & Johnson has decided to discontinue selling its Talcum Based Baby Powder in North America, a significant move for future consumer safety. However, this decision cannot undo the harm experienced by thousands of women who have already been affected.

New Developments

In response to mounting pressure and thousands of lawsuits, a judge approved new expert testimony in talcum powder lawsuits, allowing litigation against Johnson & Johnson to proceed. The company faces legal action as over 16,000 lawsuits have been filed, alleging that Johnson & Johnson knew of potential asbestos contamination in their talcum powder but failed to warn the public.

Recently, after Johnson & Johnson tried to prevent experts from testifying in talcum powder lawsuits, a judge approved new expert testimony and stated that lawsuits against Johnson and Johnson can move forward. This means that if you file a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, you can call on an expert to testify that talc products caused your or your loved one’s cancer.

To date, over 16,000 lawsuits are already taking place because of Johnson & Johnson’s knowledge of possible asbestos contamination in their talcum powder and their failure to make the public aware. You can join the thousands of lawsuits already in progress to fight for justice.

The History of Talcum Powder

Talcum powder is an ingredient in Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder, and it’s made from talc, which is a naturally occurring mineral. Just because an ingredient in a product is naturally occurring, however, doesn’t mean it is safe to use. For example, today we all know not to let our kids play with the naturally occurring heavy metal mercury.

Similarly, the public should be made aware that we shouldn’t be using talc anywhere near our kids nor ourselves. Often when talc is found in the earth, it’s accompanied by asbestos, a known carcinogen. Asbestos is most known for causing a cancer called mesothelioma in people who have had daily occupational exposure to asbestos.

Because talcum powder absorbs moisture, many parents used it on their baby’s diaper area and on their own genital area for years without knowing that it could potentially cause harm. Even now, there is no warning on the label of baby powder, so many people still use it today, completely unaware that it could contain asbestos.

"Women who have used talcum powder are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer and should receive special medical attention."

Dr. Saed Study of Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer

Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer

Multiple studies conducted over the past 40 years, however, have shown a link between talc and ovarian cancer. Researchers believe that when women use talcum powder on their genitals, small particles of talc travel through their reproductive tract, eventually landing in the ovaries, citing evidence that many ovarian tumors contain talc. Multiple studies have also found that women who use talcum powder are at a higher risk for Ovarian Cancer when compared to women who don’t use talcum powder.

It’s important to understand that these studies show correlation and not causation. This means that there is a connection between talc and ovarian cancer, but the studies have not proven that talcum powder causes ovarian cancer. Nonetheless, you can join thousands of other women and fight to put the pressure on Johnson & Johnson to take responsibility for their potentially harmful product.

Being diagnosed with cancer yourself, watching a loved one battle cancer, or fearing that a cancer diagnosis is in your future is hard enough. Knowing that your cancer could have been prevented if a company were more transparent makes it even harder emotionally. If you are going through a difficult time, the American Cancer Society has a variety of support programs.

If you haven’t been diagnosed with ovarian cancer but are worried about your previous talcum powder use, consider whether you have any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Bloating
• Pelvic and Abdominal Pain
• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
• Frequent or urgent urination

Be sure to reach out to your primary care provider and visit more detailed resources on ovarian cancer to help you navigate your medical needs.

Putting the Pressure on Johnson and Johnson

It’s bad enough that Johnson & Johnson baby powder was sold for decades without a warning label regarding the dangers of talc and possible asbestos contamination, but many women are also upset that there is still no warning label on Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder in America. It’s frustrating when you know in your heart that your cancer was caused by this product, and there are thousands of people out there blissfully unaware of the dangers of baby powder.

While Johnson & Johnson continues to deny their talcum powder can be harmful, the evidence continues to mount against them (which seems to be one of the main reasons they decided to remove it from the market in North America). Of the five lawsuits that have already gone to trial, four have ruled on the side of the plaintiffs claiming Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products caused their cancer.

Why Join a Talcum Powder Lawsuit

If you believe you have been negatively affected by using Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder on your genitals, you have rights. Seeking justice helps hold Johnson & Johnson accountable for their years of denial and inaction.

Women and their loved ones who have suffered harm and been diagnosed with ovarian cancer from baby powder use may be able to join the lawsuit to fight against this injustice. It’s easy to check if you are eligible to join the fight by using our form.