Johnson & Johnson to Stop Selling Talcum-Based Baby Powder

As Johnson & Johnson faces a mountain of ovarian cancer lawsuits over the company’s dangerous talcum-based baby powder product, the company made a stunning move to pull the product from U.S. and Canadian store shelves. 

In a tone-deaf statement, the company made the announcement while failing to acknowledge the danger the product poses to women. Further, rather than accepting responsibility for selling a dangerous product, Johnson & Johnson went on to shift blame for the decline in sales on trial attorneys who want to protect consumers from deadly products. While it will stop selling talc-based baby powder, the company will continue to sell its cornstarch-based baby powder in the U.S. and Canada. 

J&J says that it remains confident in the safety of talc-based baby powder. It maintains that the allegations are unfounded, despite a growing number of studies linking the product to ovarian cancer and a recall issued in October due to an asbestos-contaminated batch. 

U.S. and Canadian retailers will still be able to sell existing bottles of talcum-based baby powder, but once those stocks are gone, the product will no longer be available. 

“When it comes to protecting women, this is a step in the right direction,” said Carlson Law Firm Managing Partner Craig Carlson. “But there are thousands who have been hurt by Johnson & Johnson who deserve justice. We will continue to represent our clients and make sure they get the compensation they deserve for Johnson & Johnson’s disregard for their health and safety.”

The Science: Does J&J Talcum Powder cause Ovarian Cancer?

Women who use talcum powder are about 30% more likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer than women who have not. The American Cancer Society lists talcum powder as a risk for ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest cancer of the female reproductive system. 

Talcum powder applied to genitals, underwear, or sanitary napkins can trigger an inflammatory response in some women. On theory is that when talcum powder is used by women, it can travel through the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and into the ovaries where it embeds into ovarian walls. It may take years for it to dissolve and lead to long-term inflammation that can cause cancerous tumors to form. This theory is backed by a scientific study out of the U.K. that found particles of talc embedded in ovarian and cervical cancers. 

Asbestos in Talcum-based Baby Powder

Talc and asbestos minerals occur close to each other in the earth. Talc mined may sometimes be contaminated with asbestos—a known human carcinogen. As a result, talcum-based baby powder may sometimes contain asbestos. In fact, in October 2019, an expert hired by J&J found asbestos in a random talcum-based baby powder sample. 

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 product liability cases. Our team of qualified mass torts attorney will advocate on your behalf and help you get the compensation you deserve. The Carlson Law Firm has 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.