A baby powder lawsuit claims that products makers failed to warm consumers of the risks ovarian cancer for women who used talc-based products for feminine hygiene. Affected women and their families may be eligible to pursue compensation with the help of a talcum powder lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated baby powder lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Talcum Powder Uses
Talcum powder is a common cosmetic product that has a multitude of uses. According to Johnson & Johnson, it is often used on the skin to absorb excessive moisture which can cause rashes and chafing if left unchecked. Because of its absorptive properties many women apply talcum powder to intimate areas to combat the effects of excessive sweating. The product also has applications in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as its use as a common household deodorizer.
Cancer Risk Associated With Talcum Powder
One potential reason for the alleged increased occurrence of ovarian cancer in long term users of talcum powder may have to do with how the substance is mined. Careful selection of talc mines is essential to prevent asbestos contamination (which can often be found in close proximity to talc) from occurring. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) highlighted these concerns while conducting a survey to probe the presence of asbestos in certain types of baby powders. While the tested products were found to be free of carcinogens, the relatively small sample size calls for more expansive research.
The American Cancer Society has also reported on talcum powder’s purported cancer risks. Even when testing talcum products that are asbestos free, some findings indicate that there remains a link between these products and cancer. For instance, lab testing in animals has shown cancer formation when exposed to certain types of talcum powder. Studies involving human subjects also illustrate a possible association between continual usage of talcum powder and the development of cancer. To this end, some agencies have recommended that baby powder not be used on the genital area to help decrease the cancer risk.
Other Possible Effects of Talcum Powder
In addition to ovarian cancer, talcum powder is also associated with other serious medical conditions:
- Lung cancer – Those working in talc mines for extended periods have been shown to have a higher incidence of harmful lung conditions, including cancer. This heightened risk may be linked directly to talc exposure, or it may be a byproduct of the presence of asbestos in talc mines.
- Talcosis – While far less common, talcosis is another possible effect of prolonged talc exposure. This condition is characterized by tightness in the chest and a feeling of breathlessness. As the condition persists, lung scarring can occur, which may cause the oxygen levels in the blood to decrease.
- Talcum poisoning – Talcum powder can also prove extremely harmful if swallowed or if large amounts are inhaled. Effects of talcum poisoning can range from mild (eye and throat irritation) to severe (lung failure and coma).
Extended exposure seems to be a key component for many of those harmed by this substance. However, limiting one’s exposure to talc can be difficult given its ubiquitous presence in so many consumer products.
Baby Powder Lawsuit Filed
Despite claims of Johnson & Johnson that talcum powder is safe, The Washington Post reports on one instance where a woman developed fatal ovarian cancer after 35 years of using baby powder for feminine hygiene issues. Internal memos from Johnson & Johnson have also circulated stating the company allegedly knew the risk of using baby powder in this manner and failed to offer an appropriate warning to consumers. In February 2016, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $72 million to the family of the deceased woman.
How Can a Baby Powder Lawsuit Attorney Help?
Product makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a product maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
Women who developed ovarian cancer after using talcum powder may be entitled to compensation for damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- The permanency of the injury
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Loss of income or ability to work
If a woman dies as a result of her cancer, family members may be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Conscious pain and suffering of a loved one prior to death
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish from the loss of a loved one
- Funeral expenses
If the actions of the product maker are malicious or so reckless that intent to harm can be inferred, the responsible party can be liable for punitive damages to punish wrongful conduct and deter similar conduct in the future.
Women who have developed cancer after using talcum powder are encouraged to speak to a baby powder lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
