A division of Imerys has agreed to settle the claims of 22 women who developed cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder for a long period of time. While the terms of the settlement are not public, Bloomberg reports that Imerys will pay at least $5 million to the cancer victims.
This news comes just as the talc litigation against Johnson & Johnson commenced in Missouri. The cases filed claim that Johnson & Johnson and Imerys knew that their talc products contained a cancer causing substance but failed to warn consumers of the danger. Imerys is a major supplier of talc, and the company supplied talc to Johnson & Johnson for use in its Baby Powder, which was heavily marketed as safe for everyday use. While Imerys did not admit that its talc was dangerous, the company elected to settle with the women effected rather than go to trial. Johnson & Johnson currently faces over 9,000 talcum powder lawsuits as the talc litigation moves forward.
Why Have Talc Claims Been Filed Against Imerys?
Imerys is a mining and mineral processing company that supplied Johnson & Johnson with the talc for its Baby Powder. The women, who developed cancer after long-term use of Baby Powder, claim that the talc contained dangerous levels of asbestos, which led to their cancer. Because Imerys supplied the talc, the company has been named alongside Johnson & Johnson in the ongoing litigation.
Litigants claim that the company knew the talc contained dangerous levels of asbestos but failed to warn the public about the possibility of developing cancer. Furthermore, the lawsuits allege that both companies marketed their products as safe and fit for everyday use. These claims have been backed by scientific data and reports that indicate talc can contain dangerous levels of asbestos because of the way the two minerals naturally form in the earth.
Why is Talc Dangerous?
Talc is a mineral that is widely used in powders and other cosmetics because of its ability to absorb moisture and prevent rashes. Recent studies and reports have drawn attention to some of the dangers associated with the mineral, including cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), whose primary purpose is to identify causes of cancer, classified the perineal (genital) use of talc-based body powder as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
Another concern that has been raised is the presence of asbestos in talc products, which is a known cancer causing substance. The two minerals naturally form in close proximity to each other and often have to be separated during the mining and refining process. However, it is possible that dangerous levels of asbestos could remain in the talc even after this process. Cancer victims claim that both Imerys and Johnson & Johnson were aware of these risks but chose not to provide any warning to the public.
Contact an Experienced Talcum Powder Lawyer
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum powder, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. Our law firm is working with experienced talcum powder lawyers across the country, who are investigating these cases. They may be able to file a talcum powder lawsuit on your behalf. There is no fee unless you receive an award or settlement. Call our toll free number anytime at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.
Source:
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-01/imerys-unit-said-to-settle-talc-claims-for-at-least-5-million
- https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/11/health/talc-ovarian-cancer-cases/index.html
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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