A Minnesota talcum powder cancer lawsuit could be an option for women who used baby powder products and developed ovarian cancer. For many products, such as cosmetics, the labeling process is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, long-term use of certain products has revealed that they are not as safe as they were originally thought to be. Talcum powder is a common ingredient in baby powders and other consumer cosmetics, and many women use the substance for feminine hygiene purposes. Although manufacturers claim that products containing talc are safe for consumer use, an increased risk of ovarian cancer has been associated with the use of talcum powder. Affected women and their families may be able to seek compensation for their injuries with the help of a Minnesota talcum powder lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Minnesota 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 Minnesota talcum powder cancer lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What Is Talcum Powder?
Talcum powder is created by simply grinding the mineral talc into a fine powder. According to Geology.com, talc is present in many different products used in a wide range of industries, including paints, rubber and even roofing materials. Talc may be used as a filler in plastics to improve heat resistance and stiffness, in ceramics to boost strength and in paint to help the liquid stick to vertical surfaces.
Though talc is widely used in the U.S., Canada added it to its Cosmetic Ingredients Hotlist in 2007. The mineral is restricted from use in baby products due to data that has found a potential for harm it may cause to children and infants.
Possible Dangers of Talc
The Journal of the National Cancer Institute reports that although talc must be purified of any asbestos, which is a known carcinogen, some believe that the mineral is harmful on its own, as well. Some research indicates that talc may raise the risk of ovarian cancer when it is applied perineally over a long period of time. Although the direct correlation is not yet known, inflammation is suggested to be a factor in the development of ovarian cancer. Scientists speculate that when talc comes in contact with cells in the ovaries, it leads to potentially harmful irritation of the tissues.
Research Reports on Talc Use
Studies that evaluate women’s use of talcum powder and the possible link to a higher risk of cancer depend on self-reports of how long the products were used, and in what way. Self-reporting techniques are often questioned because they rely on memory. However, there are case-control studies that link genital talc use to the risk of cancer, and these have led the International Agency for Research on Cancer to classify it as possibly carcinogenic.
Laboratory research has been conducted to attempt to determine whether a link exists between talc and ovarian cancer, the American Cancer Society states. While not all of the lab animals developed tumors after being exposed to talc, some did, indicating that further research is necessary.
Talcum Powder Litigation and Jury Decisions
According to Yahoo News, some scientists believe that the IARC classification should have been enough to warrant a warning label on the Johnson & Johnson talc products that were marketed for genital use. Lawsuits have been filed claiming that the company allegedly muddied the waters regarding the existing research rather than conducting their own to determine the safety of the product.
A jury determined that there is enough evidence to support the need for a warning of increased cancer risk on the label of talcum powder products that may be applied on the genitals, CBS News reports. In one case involving a wrongful death suit, the family members were awarded millions of dollars, while another jury also determined that the company was at fault and awarded $55 million to a woman who suffered ovarian cancer. The litigation included evidence that the company acknowledged a possible connection but chose not to alert the public.
Minnesota Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuits and Multidistrict Litigation
There are hundreds of lawsuits in Minnesota and across the United States that have been filed against Johnson & Johnson. As the number of cases increases, it becomes more likely that they will be consolidated through multidistrict litigation. If so, several of the claims that represent factors common to most of the cases will be included in bellwether trials, and these results will provide a precedent for the future of the similar cases. The sharing of evidence and presentation in a single court typically produces a much faster conclusion for everyone involved.
How a Minnesota Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit Can 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.
People injured by the fault of others may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those killed may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to File a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Minnesota. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to 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.
