Talcum Powder Attorneys
Talcum powder, also known as “talc,” is a mineral-based product used in various personal care products, including baby powder and adult body and facial powders. Research suggests that extensive use of talc-based products is a potential risk of developing cancer, ovarian cancer and fallopian tube cancer, as well as mesothelioma.
A series of lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson, the well-known manufacturer of talc-based powders, alleging that the company’s talcum powder products, primarily baby powder, caused them to develop ovarian cancer.
Recent evidence has again confirmed our long held position that talc contains asbestos, and that talc can therefore cause ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. I am proud to say that we, the lawyers representing these innocent victims, have fought off the repeated attempts by Johnson & Johnson to deny responsibility, including its most recent attempt to improperly use the bankruptcy laws to shield itself from liability. We will continue to fight for our clients until Johnson & Johnson pays our clients the compensation they deserve.
Lawrence R. Cohan
THE DANGERS OF TALCUM POWDER
Talcum powder is made up of hydrated magnesium silicate, a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in close proximity to asbestos. As a result, there is ongoing concern that talc mines may contain asbestos, contaminating talc-based powders used in personal care products. When inhaled, asbestos can potentially lead to the development of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, chest, or abdomen.
When used in the genital area, research suggests that carcinogenic agents in talc could potentially travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovaries, which could lead to ovarian or fallopian tube cancer. Studies show that women who have regularly used talcum powder are about 30% more likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer than women who have not.
NO WARNING FROM JOHNSON & JOHNSON
The plaintiffs in lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson argue that the company knew or should have known about the potential risk of cancer associated with talc-based products and failed to adequately warn consumers of these risks. Johnson & Johnson has denied these allegations but has faced multiple lawsuits and has been found liable in many of these cases. In addition, the company still faces thousands of pending lawsuits related to talcum powder and ovarian cancer.
Talc-based powder products were manufactured and distributed by Johnson & Johnson for decades, despite warnings of increased cancer risk from prolonged use of talcum powder. In a statement provided to the Associated Press, Johnson & Johnson stated that they are pulling baby powder containing talc worldwide in 2023. This follows discontinued product distribution in the United States and Canada in 2020. Talc will be replaced by cornstarch in their popular baby powder products.
UNMATCHED COMMITMENT
SMB’s toxic tort team, led by partner Larry Cohan, has represented victims of toxic chemical exposure for over 40 years. Mr. Cohan and his team are currently investigating cases on behalf of individuals who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or mesothelioma following the regular use of Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products. In addition, the toxic tort team at SMB has significant experience representing victims in mass tort litigation, including PFAS water contamination, toxic water contamination at Camp Lejeune military base, and exposure to toxic chemicals such as Paraquat and Benzene.
SMB has been at the center of representing victims in major disasters, including the Surfside Condominium Collapse ($1.2 billion settlement), the Philadelphia Salvation Army Building Collapse ($227 million settlement), and the Amtrak 188 derailment ($265 million settlement). If you believe that you have developed ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or mesothelioma from using talcum powder, contact our toxic tort team for a free case evaluation.