A Missouri talcum powder cancer lawsuit may be an option for women who used talc-based products and developed ovarian cancer. Talcum powder is a common household product that can be used for a variety of reasons, including personal and feminine hygiene purposes. Lawsuits allege, however, that some women have developed ovarian cancer after years of using talc-based products and baby powders. Affected women and their families may be eligible to pursue a claim and recover damages with the help of a Missouri talcum powder cancer lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Missouri 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 Missouri talcum powder cancer lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Talcum Powder?
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, talcum powder is made from talc, a soft mineral that is composed mainly of silicon, oxygen and magnesium. The mineral’s qualities make it especially useful in applications that require moisture absorption, which is why it is used so frequently in cosmetic products. Talc is also used in agriculture and manufacturing and in the production of of other materials such as paint and paper.
Does Talcum Powder Cause Ovarian Cancer?
Some scientists have been warning against the use of talcum powder on the pelvic area for several years. A study conducted by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital located in Boston found a link between genital use of talcum powder and ovarian cancer, according to Medical Daily. The study’s results showed that women who sprinkled talcum powder on sanitary napkins, in their underwear or directly onto their genitals could be at an increased risk of ovarian cancer by up to one third.
An earlier study, published in a 1999 edition of Journal of the National Cancer Institute by many of the same researchers, found that the risk of developing one certain type of ovarian cancer was increased by up to 40 percent in women who used talcum powder for feminine hygiene.
Talcum Powder Lawsuit Claims
In February 2016, Johnson & Johnson, a major manufacturer of talcum powder products marketed for personal use, was ordered by a St. Louis jury to pay damages to the family of a woman who died of ovarian cancer. According to an article published by USA Today, the woman was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum powder for feminine hygiene. Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $62 million in punitive damages and $10 million in actual damages.
In May 2016, a South Dakota woman was awarded $55 million in damages from Johnson & Johnson by a St. Louis jury. CBS News reported that the woman had used baby powder manufactured by the company for many years and in 2011 developed ovarian cancer. These two lawsuits are among thousands currently filed against Johnson & Johnson alleging that the company knew of the potential risk associated with using talcum powder in the genital area but failed to provide adequate warning to consumers.
Talcum Powder Warnings
While there have been no warnings against perineal use of talcum powder released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), talc has been listed by the National Toxicology Program as potentially carcinogenic for humans based on studies performed on rats and mice. If talcum powder is used on the genitals, some scientists and medical professionals are concerned that it could enter the body and migrate through the vagina and fallopian tubes, where it could end up in the ovaries and cause inflammation, leading to the growth of cancerous cells.
According to information from the American Cancer Society, talc often contains asbestos in its natural state. Asbestos, when inhaled, is known to cause lung cancer. However, all talc-based products sold to consumers were required to be asbestos free as of the 1970s following wide concern over the relative safety of the products for regular use in the home.
How a Missouri 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.
With the help of a Missouri talcum powder cancer lawsuit attorney, 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 Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Missouri. 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.
