Decades ago, Johnson & Johnson – as well as other manufacturers – was asked to put warnings on its baby powder products about the risk of ovarian cancer. They declined and fought any connection between cancer of the ovary and their products. During the 1990s, they even formed a task group specifically to get the word out that there was no connection between ovarian cancer and talc and baby powder.

The company tried to deceive the public, claiming there was no connection between baby powder with talc and ovarian cancer, despite all of the reputable studies that have shown a statistically significant connection between repeated use of baby powder with talc and ovarian cancer.

Multiple juries have disagreed with that claim, and billions of dollars have been awarded to victims. Hundreds more lawsuits have been filed and are waiting to be resolved.

If you’ve been injured by a dangerous or defective product, the legal team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can evaluate your case to determine what legal recourse you may have. We can assess your claim and guide you through the legal process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation.

What Is Talcum Powder, and Why Has It Been Linked to Ovarian Cancer?

Talcum powder, a product made from the mineral talc, has been widely used in cosmetics and personal care products for decades due to its ability to absorb moisture and reduce friction. It has been a staple in products such as baby powder and body powders. However, concerns about its safety emerged when studies began suggesting a potential link between talcum powder use in the genital area and an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

The primary issue lies in talc’s potential contamination with asbestos, a known carcinogen. Asbestos occurs naturally near talc deposits, raising concerns about cross-contamination. Even asbestos-free talc has come under scrutiny due to findings that talc particles can travel to the ovaries and cause inflammation, which may contribute to cancer development. Scientific studies as far back as the 1970s have hinted at these risks, yet public acknowledgment by manufacturers took decades.

When Did Manufacturers First Learn About the Ovarian Cancer Risk?

Internal documents from talc manufacturers, including industry giant Johnson & Johnson, reveal that companies were aware of potential risks associated with talcum powder as early as the 1970s. For instance, a 1971 study published in the journal The Lancet found talc particles embedded in ovarian tumors. This raised early alarms within the scientific community and, reportedly, within company boardrooms.

By the mid-1980s, additional studies bolstered the evidence, suggesting a statistical link between talc use in the genital area and ovarian cancer. Despite these findings, internal company memos and correspondence indicate that manufacturers chose to publicly downplay or refute the risks. This pattern of behavior has been a focal point in lawsuits, where plaintiffs allege that talc companies deliberately concealed these findings to protect their brands and profits.

How Did the Public Learn About the Risks Associated with Talcum Powder?

The risks of talcum powder came to public attention through a combination of independent scientific research, investigative journalism, and litigation. In 1999, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified the use of talc in the genital area as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” Despite this classification, manufacturers continued to market talc-based products aggressively.

It wasn’t until the 2010s, when lawsuits against talc manufacturers surged, that internal documents detailing their knowledge of potential risks became public. In these legal cases, plaintiffs presented evidence showing that companies were aware of and ignored studies linking talc to ovarian cancer. High-profile verdicts against companies like Johnson & Johnson highlighted the issue and brought widespread media coverage, prompting consumers to question the safety of talc-based products.

What Are the Implications of Talc Manufacturers’ Actions for Consumers?

The revelation that talc manufacturers knew about the potential ovarian cancer risk for decades has had far-reaching implications. Firstly, it has led to a wave of lawsuits, with plaintiffs claiming that manufacturers failed to warn them about the risks, resulting in preventable cancers. These lawsuits have resulted in multi-billion-dollar settlements and verdicts, forcing some companies to reassess their product formulations and transparency practices.

Secondly, consumer awareness about product safety has grown. Many people have shifted to talc-free alternatives made from substances like cornstarch. Governments and regulatory agencies have also faced increased pressure to improve oosmetic and personal care pproduct oversightto ensure consumer safety.

For the manufacturers, these revelations have damaged reputations and prompted recalls and rebranding. Johnson & Johnson, for example, announced plans to discontinue talc-based baby powder globally by 2023, citing declining demand due to misinformation concerns—despite the overwhelming evidence presented in courtrooms.

What Should I Do If I’ve Been Injured By a Defective Product?

At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we have decades of experience handling personal injury claims involving dangerous and defective products. We understand how to navigate the legal process and work with you to maximize the value of your case. Call us at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.