The New Jersey Supreme Court has approved multi-county litigation status for more than 100 talcum powder lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson that allege that the company’s baby powder and talcum powder products sold over the counter caused ovarian cancer. The court granted the request of the company and its subsidiaries for centralized management of the cases. Since 87 of the 103 talcum-powder cases in the state were pending in Atlantic County, 16 other cases assigned to different judges in Bergen County were moved and consolidated.
What Is The Link Between Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer?
Talcum powder has been linked to ovarian cancer when the powder particles when applied to the genital area or on sanitary napkins travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes into the ovary. Many case control studies have found a heightened risk of ovarian cancer in women who use talcum powder. Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral comprising magnesium, silicon and oxygen. As a powder, it absorbs moisture well and helps cut down on friction, which can be useful to keep skin dry and help prevent rashes. Talc is widely used in hygiene products such as baby powder and adult body powders. For example, Johnson & Johnson marketed its talcum powder products for feminine hygiene purposes. A 1998 Shower to Shower television commercial says: “Just a sprinkle a day, helps keep odor away…Have you had your sprinkle today?”
Has There Been Any Research Behind This?
Researchers began making the connection between talc and ovarian cancer as early as the 1970s. Talcum powder lawsuits brought by women who suffered ovarian cancer have cited studies such as the one by Harvard University professor Daniel Cramer who found in 1982 that women who used talc in their genital area faced a 92 percent increase in the risk of developing ovarian cancer. In a new study released in December, Cramer concluded that talc was associated with a 33 percent increase in the risk of ovarian cancer, a risk rate that increased the longer it was used. Still, the FDA has not required any type of warning for consumers. Neither have manufacturers like Johnson and Johnson have bothered to caution consumers about the potential risks despite being notified about them.
Contact a Talcum Powder Lawyer
If you or someone you know has suffered side effects after using talcum powder products, contact d’Oliveira & Associates. You may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our firm is working with experienced talcum powder lawyers, who are investigating these cases. They may be able to file a talcum powder lawsuit for you and they charge no fee unless you win an award or settlement. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call our toll free number at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online.
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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