Talc is a soft, magnesium-based mineral used by Johnson & Johnson in several products, including Baby Powder and Shower to Shower. Research dating back to the 1990s indicated a link between talc use and cancer. Despite these warnings, Johnson & Johnson failed to add warning labels to its products, even after their talc suppliers did so in 2006.
Women who regularly use talc-based powders on their underwear, sanitary pads, or directly on their skin may be at an increased risk of ovarian cancer. The fine particles of talc can easily migrate into the body, potentially inflaming tissue and leading to cancer. Some studies have shown that talc exposure is associated with ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancers.
Our New York dangerous drug attorneys are aggressively investigating claims of cancer associated with the use of Talc. Sherri Plotkin, one of our lead attorneys in this litigation, has years of experience and can help you navigate the litigation process.
If you are interested in pursuing a lawsuit against talcum powder manufacturers, call (212) 684-1880.
Women who have used talcum powder have been found to develop various cancers, including:
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum powder, contact our product liability attorneys for a free consultation.
In addition to ovarian cancer, talc-based products have also been linked to mesothelioma due to asbestos contamination. Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer affecting the lungs, abdomen, or heart, often developed by inhaling asbestos fibers. Talc products, particularly baby powder, may contain asbestos, which has been linked to mesothelioma diagnoses in both adults and children.
Symptoms of mesothelioma include:
Multiple major verdicts have been awarded to ovarian cancer plaintiffs against Johnson & Johnson, ranging from $55 million to $417 million. These cases demonstrated that Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products caused cancer and that the company failed to remove asbestos from its products, endangering users for decades.
Our firm is actively pursuing lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson and other talcum powder manufacturers. We are investigating claims of cancer linked to talcum powder, led by experienced attorneys like Sherri Plotkin and David B. Rheingold. Both attorneys have extensive experience handling defective product litigation and are ready to guide you.
If you believe a talc-based product has harmed you, contact our New York attorneys at (212) 684-1880 for a free consultation.
Recent studies confirm the strong link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, particularly through genital use. The Sister Study revealed that women using talc had a 24% to 32% higher risk of ovarian cancer. Despite Johnson & Johnson’s denial, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified talc as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” With over $5 billion in verdicts against J&J, the company has proposed a $6.48 billion settlement. These findings bolster ongoing talc-related litigation, supporting plaintiffs who used J&J’s talcum products and developed cancer. Read more.
U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen has called for a federal investigation into healthcare costs related to asbestos exposure from Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products. Cohen’s letter to the Government Accountability Office claims that J&J knew about the link between talc and asbestos-related cancers, such as ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, since the 1970s but continued selling these products. The Congressman seeks to uncover the financial burden on federal agencies treating affected individuals. Johnson & Johnson has spent over $1 billion defending claims and could face additional multi-billion-dollar payouts. Read the full article here.
On January 30, 2023, a U.S. court rejected Johnson & Johnson’s attempt to file for bankruptcy in response to thousands of lawsuits related to its talc-based products. The court’s decision is a major victory for victims who claim these products caused cancer due to asbestos contamination. This ruling prevents J&J from using bankruptcy to avoid responsibility, forcing the company to face lawsuits directly. Read the full blog here.
Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky will step down in January 2022 after 30 years with the company. While J&J achieved record profits under his leadership, the company faced numerous lawsuits over defective products, including talcum powder and medical devices. Joaquin Duato to succeed Gorsky as CEO. Read the full article.
Internal Johnson & Johnson emails reveal the company’s role in concealing the link between asbestos and its talc products. J&J tested talc for larger asbestos fibers but ignored smaller, still harmful fibers. Unsealed emails show that J&J influenced a 2009 industry report that helped prevent asbestos warnings on talc-based products. Despite FDA findings of asbestos in 2020, J&J denied the results. Nearly 39,000 lawsuits now claim the company’s products caused cancer. Read our blog here.
In June 2020, a New Jersey judge upheld $186 million in punitive damages against Johnson & Johnson (J&J) for its talc-based baby powder, citing the company’s “direct lies” to consumers and regulators. Judge Ana C. Viscomi stated that J&J knew for decades its talc was contaminated with asbestos but concealed this information from the FDA and promoted flawed testing methods. The ruling is a significant blow to J&J, which faces thousands of lawsuits from women claiming its products caused ovarian cancer. Punitive damages were awarded due to J&J’s willful misconduct and deception. Read more.
In the 1960s, Johnson & Johnson helped fund an experiment in which minority prisoners in Pennsylvania were injected with asbestos to assess its safety in talcum powder. The prisoners, inadequately informed of the risks, suffered severe health consequences. This adds to J&J’s ongoing legal battles over asbestos-related cancer claims linked to their products. Continue reading.
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