Women have been using baby powder as a feminine hygiene product for decades. More specifically: Hispanic women.
But it wasn’t until more recently that scientists discovered a possible link between baby powder usage and ovarian cancer. The cancer-causing ingredient? Talcum powder.
Talcum powder, or baby powder as it is often referred to as, is made from talc, which is a mineral made up mainly of the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen.
Ovarian cancer and talcum powder
In 2013, a journal from Cancer Prevention Research showed that women have a 20-30 percent greater risk of developing ovarian cancer when using a product with talcum powder around their groin area.
Research indicates that Talcum Powder usage can cause inflammation and increase the risk of ovarian cancer in women. When used by women as part of their hygiene routine, talcum powder particles can travel through the vagina, into the uterus and Fallopian tubes, ending up in the ovaries.
Were Hispanic women targeted?
Johnson and Johnson considered increasing its marketing efforts to Hispanic women long after they had acknowledged concerns in the health community. These efforts came about even though Hispanic women were already purchasing the product in high numbers. In fact, Johnson’s baby powder has a high usage rate among Hispanic females at 37.6 percent.
Ditch the talcum powder
As a way of preventing the possibility of being harmed, there are a couple of talcum powder alternatives you should use:
- Cornstarch: Found in the baking aisle of your local grocery store, cornstarch is a great natural alternative to talc. The consistency is exactly the same, so it too will help rid you of any moisture. Cornstarch is derived from the endosperm of a corn kernel and is often used to help thicken sauces.
- Arrowroot starch or tapioca starch: Both of these starches are all-natural alternatives to talc. Arrowroot is derived from several tropical South American plants. Tapioca starch is derived from the crushed-up pulp of the South American cassava plant, a woody shrub.
- Baking soda: You thought that useful sodium bicarbonate, otherwise known as baking soda, only had 100 uses. Well, there just so happens to be one more: This common pantry item can be used in place of baby powder. Some people even use it as deodorant, applying some to their underarms each morning.
Talcum powder lawsuits
Thousands of consumers have filed talcum powder lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson. These lawsuits highlight the pharmaceutical company’s failure to warn women of the potential risk of developing ovarian cancer from the use of its popular baby powder.
Although filing a claim will not turn back time, a claim could help alleviate the stress from the piles of medical bills and other expenses victims are faced with. Compensation for such lawsuits includes pain, suffering, medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses in the case of a loved one’s death and more.
If using talcum powder caused you harm, the company that made it should be held accountable. These manufacturers put their profits above their consumer’s safety and will only continue to try and protect those profits.
How The Carlson Law Firm Can Help
If you or someone you know have developed a serious illness after using a product with talc or talcum powder, it may be in your best interest to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The Carlson Law Firm has experience with these types of cases and may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. We have a team of compassionate attorneys, on staff nurses and private investigators ready to heavily invest in your case. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We care, we can help.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We serve clients nationwide.
