In 2006, an arm of the World Health Organization (WHO) began classifying cosmetic talc as “possibly carcinogenic” when women use it as a genital antiperspirant and deodorant. Unfortunately, women had been using baby powder for these reasons for decades before this news became available. In fact, it would be years before talc ovarian cancer gained the attention of the women who use the product.
But it was just a year after WHO’s designation that a woman from El Paso, Texas who had been using the product since 1959 was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. At the time, news connecting cosmetic talc to ovarian cancer had yet to reach her and her family. In fact, it wasn’t until seven years after her diagnosis in 2014 that her family even learned of the connection between her five-decade use of baby powder and the cancer she developed as a result.
After a nine-year battle with ovarian cancer, she passed away in 2016. Despite aggressive cancer treatments from her medical team, her cancer metastasized and spread to her lungs and liver.
After her passing, the woman’s husband began looking into the connection between talcum powder and his wife’s cancer. It was unbelievable that for 55 years his wife used a product that might’ve been contaminated with asbestos. Looking for answers, he reached out to The Carlson Law Firm. Our compassionate attorneys explained the studies and the position of health organizations, like WHO. We are currently representing her husband in a wrongful death claim against three companies:
- Johnson & Johnson
- Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.
- Imerys Talc America, Inc.
Many of our clients share similar stories.
To this day, many women remain unaware of the studies linking cosmetic talc and ovarian cancer. And for some, even when they learn about the link between talcum powder and cancer breaking the habit of using the product can prove difficult. Alternative products can be expensive and not readily available in their markets. Combined with cultural norms, J&J’s aggressive marketing tactics and the company’s position that its product is safe, it may be difficult to break away from using this dangerous product.
In fact, the acts of J&J have had devastating effects on minority populations. Internal documents reveal that in its marketing strategies, J&J targeted overweight women and women of color.
For the women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and the families of deceased loved ones, the Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder lawsuit can mean the difference between significant medical debt and allowing the company to continue to endanger the lives of many others.
In a strange turn of events, in 2019 a lab run by an expert witness hired by Johnson & Johnson found asbestos in a sample of the company’s baby powder. The finding led to a recall of baby powder products from J&J and several other companies pulled the products from its shelves.
Is asbestos in talc?
Both asbestos and talc are naturally occurring substances. Talc often naturally occurs near asbestos in the earth. Because of this, talc can easily become contaminated by asbestos while being mined.
It is important to note that the Johnson’s Baby Powder lawsuit only includes the formula containing talc. The other formula, containing cornstarch has not been implicated in any lawsuits about ovarian cancer.
The Carlson Law Firm Can Help
The Carlson Law Firm is accepting talcum powder lawsuit clients from all 50 states. If you’ve developed ovarian cancer and have used Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder, contact us today. We can help you navigate the complex legal system to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
