An Oregon talcum powder cancer lawsuit may be an option for women who used cosmetic products containing talc and developed ovarian cancer. Baby powder and other consumer products containing the mineral talc have been used for decades, however, research indicates that women who use the product could be at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Affected patients and their families may be able to pursue a claim with the help of an Oregon talcum powder cancer lawsuit attorney and recover damages for their injuries.
For more information, contact the Attorney Group for Oregon 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 Oregon talcum powder cancer lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Talc?
Talc is a mineral that has the ability to absorb moisture, oil and odor, and can sometimes be used as a lubricant.
Talc is used in a number of other products, including:
- Plastics – Talc particles can increase the stiffness of many plastic products while increasing heat resistance and reducing shrinkage.
- Ceramics – Products such as bathroom fixtures, ceramic tile, pottery and dinnerware contain talc.
- Paint – Talc is used as an extender and filler in paint, improving the adherence of paint to surfaces while whitening and brightening the color of the paint.
- Paper – Talc serves as a mineral filler to fill gaps in the wood pulp, resulting in a smoother writing surface and the paper’s ability to absorb ink.
- Roofing materials – Talc can be added to roofing materials to improve their weather resistance and to prevent sticking.
- Soapstone – When talc is used with other minerals, it may be used for a wide variety of dimension stone for sculptures, counter tops, electrical panels and figurines.
- Lubricants – Ground talc can be used as a lubricant in high-temperature situations where oil-based lubricants would be destroyed.
Talc is most commonly ground into powder and used in many consumer cosmetic products, including baby powder. Tiny platelets of the powder have the ability to readily adhere to the skin while being able to be washed off easily.
Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
A talcum powder cancer lawsuit filed in Mississippi notes a number of studies indicating a link between the use of talcum powder and an elevated risk for the development of ovarian cancer. According to the lawsuit, studies date back as far as 1971.
According to the lawsuit, there have been approximately 22 epidemiologic studies suggesting a relationship between talc and the development of ovarian cancer since 1982. In almost all of the studies, researchers have reported an increased risk for ovarian cancer related to genital use of talc-based cosmetic products in women. Numerous case-control studies noted by the lawsuit indicate a range of percentages demonstrating significant increases in the risk of ovarian cancer for women who regularly used talcum powder or talc-based cosmetic products in the genital area.
Other Talcum Powder Risks
Talc and asbestos occur naturally and may be found near one another in some rocks, and some talc can contain asbestos. Although not banned in the United States, asbestos is a known carcinogen, and since the 1970s, all talcum powder products are required to be asbestos-free.
According to the American Cancer Society, some studies have suggested an increased risk of lung cancer and other respiratory complications in talc miners and millers. Because talc can contain asbestos naturally, it is unclear whether talc is a potential cause or if the occurrence of asbestos and other minerals had any effect on the risk of lung cancer.
Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit Claims
An Oregon Talcum powder cancer lawsuit attorney notes that lawsuits claim that pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson had a duty to know and to warn about the hazards associated with the use of their products containing talcum powder. Likewise, numerous lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson alleging that the use of talcum powder may have led to the development of ovarian cancer in some women.
In 2016, juries awarded verdicts in two talcum powder cases totally over $120 million. Each case made similar claims regarding the manufacturer’s alleged failure to warn customers despite being aware of numerous studies suggesting an association between the regular use of talc-based products and ovarian cancer.
How an Oregon 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 Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact the Attorney Group for Oregon. 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.
