CHARLESTON, IL TALCUM POWDER INJURY LAWYERS
Talcum Powder Linked To Increased Risk Of Ovarian Cancer
Used on babies and by adults, talcum powder has been an available consumer product found in many American households for decades. Once considered a harmless product, talcum powder has been linked to increased ovarian cancer risks since the 1970s. If you were diagnosed with ovarian cancer and are or were a regular talcum powder user, it is important to determine whether you have grounds for a civil lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson or another potentially at-fault party. The experienced team at Spiros Law, P.C. can review your case to help you understand your rights and options. We have extensive drug litigation experience and are willing to put in the work it takes to face off against any opponent. The full protection of your rights is our Charleston, IL talcum powder injury attorneys’ primary goal.
Call (217) 516-3451 or fill out our online contact form for a free, strictly confidential consultation.
What Is Talcum Powder?
Talcum powder is made from a mineral called talc, which includes oxygen, silicon, and magnesium. In its powder form, talc can be used to reduce moisture and help decrease skin friction. However, when first produced, talc contained asbestos, which has now been prohibited in consumer products. Asbestos is a substance that’s been linked to cancer.
Risks Associated With Talcum Powder
There are a few serious health risks associated with the use of talcum powder, including:
- Talcosis, an irritation of the lungs
- Respiratory problems in babies
- Asthma and pneumonia symptoms (which may lead to other respiratory diseases and lung cancer)
- Ovarian cancer
The Link Between Talcum Powder & Ovarian Cancer
One serious risk associated with talcum powder is ovarian cancer. Women who have used talcum powder around their vaginal area have a 20-30% increased risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who have not used talc-based products for personal hygiene purposes. When talc is used in the vaginal area, particles from the powder can travel through to the ovaries, taking years to dissolve and often causing inflammation. Medical research reports that talcum powders are associated with ovarian cancer particularly when used long-term, and doctors have found talc particles inside cancerous ovarian tissue.
Cases Against Johnson & Johnson
Following two multi-million-dollar jury verdicts against talcum powder manufacturer Johnson & Johnson, the corporation now faces over 1,000 new lawsuits claiming its talcum powder causes ovarian cancer. Recently, J&J was found liable for knowing about the potential link between its products and ovarian cancer and failing to warn the public. Jackie Fox filed suit in Missouri and was awarded $72 million, but she died before the trial ended. Gloria Ristesund filed a similar lawsuit and was awarded $55 million in May 2016. While some companies switched from using talc in their products to cornstarch, J&J did not, and there are attorneys who want J&J to pull its Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products from store shelves. Attorney Ted Meadows said, “In talking to these women—and as a believer in the civil justice system in this country—[filing lawsuits] is a way to get the powerful in this country to do what they should. For Johnson & Johnson, it is decades in the making. They should have been warning about the risk of ovarian cancer from genital talc use as early as the 1982 time frame.” Meadows also added that his experts found that “10 percent of all ovarian cancer diagnoses each year are directly attributable to genital use of Johnson’s Baby Powder.” J&J responded in a May 2, 2016 blog post stating, “The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which identifies potential risk factors for many diseases, has not identified talc as a risk factor for ovarian cancer.” The company also said that expert panels and some government agencies reviewed study data and failed to conclude that talc caused cancer. J&J said it would appeal both verdicts.
Helping Patients In Central & Southern Illinois
If you believe your ovarian cancer diagnosis is linked to your use of talcum powder, you can seek legal action against companies like Johnson & Johnson. At Spiros Law, P.C., we know how challenging it can be to pursue legal help while you’re already suffering, and we’re here to make every step of the process as pain-free as possible. Our Charleston, IL talcum powder lawyers can review your case to see how to proceed.
