A Louisiana talcum powder cancer lawsuit could be an option for women who used baby powder products for feminine hygiene and developed ovarian cancer. Many women use baby powders containing the mineral talc for feminine hygiene purposes. While these products are claimed to be safe by manufacturers, instances of ovarian cancer have been reported by some women who have used talcum powder in this manner over extended periods of time. Affected women and their families may be able to seek compensation for their injuries with the help of a Louisiana talcum powder lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Louisiana 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 attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Uses of Talc in Consumer Products
According to Geology.com, talc (the main ingredient in talcum powder) is a mineral that is mined from the earth. Also known as hydrous magnesium silicate, talc has a number of inherent properties that make it suitable for use in consumer products. For instance, talc retains very effective absorptive properties that allow it to soak up a variety of substances and odors. It also works well as a lubricant, and can even be used as an astringent.
Because of talc’s versatility, it is a common ingredient in consumer goods. Talc is often used in paper production as it serves as a filler for the organic materials that paper is composed of. The substance is also added to paint to increase color intensity, and helps strengthen ceramics during the firing process. In addition to these uses, the substance can be found in a wide variety of cosmetics, such as makeup and antiperspirants.
Talcum Powder and Asbestos
Asbestos, a known carcinogen, can sometimes be found in close proximity to talc when the substance is being mined. This has led to claims of possible asbestos contamination, particularly in light of the increased rates of cancer experienced by women who have used talcum powders over the course of their lives. While regulations stipulate that consumer goods currently on the market must be free of asbestos, the National Health Institutes have found some talcum powders to be contaminated with asbestos.
Asbestos fibers were found during testing of one brand of powder. Tissue samples from the lungs and lymph nodes of a woman afflicted with mesothelioma who used the same brand of talcum powder throughout her life were also tested, and these too were found to contain asbestos. The study posited that the continual inhalation of talcum powder during use led to this woman’s death, and could pose a similar risk to women who used the substance in the same manner.
Talcum Powder and Cancer
Talcum powder has also been associated with the development of ovarian cancer, as stated by the American Cancer Society. Applying baby powder to the genital area could possibly introduce the substance to the reproductive organs, which over time may lead to the onset of ovarian cancer. While studies have returned conflicting results, some authorities (such as the World Health Organization) have categorized usage of talc-based products on intimate areas as potentially carcinogenic. Talcum powder can also increase one’s risk of lung cancer, especially for those suffering from occupational exposure (i.e. talc miners).
Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuits
Women injured after using talc-based hygiene products have questioned manufacturers as to why no warnings were afforded regarding the possible association with cancer. Some allege that the increased cancer risk was well-known by manufacturers (including Johnson & Johnson), but that they failed to disclose this risk to regulatory authorities as well as consumers.
NBC News reports on a woman who died from ovarian cancer after allegedly using products manufactured by Johnson & Johnson containing talc. The subsequent lawsuit filed by the woman’s family cited a failure by the company to act on evidence of their product’s link to cancer. The jury found Johnson & Johnson negligent for their actions and subsequently awarded the family $72 million for the woman’s illness and death.
How a Louisiana Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit Can Help
When people suffer from severe side effects from a dangerous or defective product, they may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and damages. The types of losses that can be recovered include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of an ability to work; and
- Pain and suffering
If a person dies from complications caused by a defective product, family members may be able to recover damages for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Loss of economic support; and
- Loss of companionship
If the conduct of a company in manufacturing and selling a product is found to be highly reckless, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the company and deter similar conduct in the future.
Affected women and their families are encouraged to seek the advice of a Louisiana talcum powder cancer lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
The Time to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Louisiana. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
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.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group for Louisiana today.
