Talcum Powder
The Risks of Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
It has been well-documented for years that talcum powder, commonly known as baby powder, increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Despite this, Johnson & Johnson and other manufacturers never issued warnings about this potentially deadly risk. Instead, companies continued to deny the connection, with Johnson & Johnson insisting as recently as May 2014 that “the safety of talc is supported by decades of scientific evidence and independent peer-reviewed studies.” In reality, the opposite is true.
Historical Research on Talc and Cancer Risk:
1961:
Research demonstrated that talc-like particles could migrate from the exterior genital area to the ovaries.
1971:
A study found talc particles “deeply embedded” in 10 of 13 ovarian tumors and 12 of 21 cervical tumors, suggesting a potential cancer link.
1982:
A study from Boston Hospital for Women showed a 92% increased risk of ovarian cancer for women who applied talc to the genital area. The study attributed the risk to talc particles becoming trapped in the ovaries, triggering inflammation and epithelial tissue growth.
Further Evidence of Risks:
Since 1982, more than 20 additional studies have confirmed the connection between long-term talc use and ovarian cancer.
1993:
The U.S. Toxicology Program published evidence of talc’s carcinogenicity, noting risks whether or not asbestos-like fibers were present.
2006:
The International Association for the Research of Cancer (IARC) classified talc-based baby powder used on the genitals as a “Group 2B” possible human carcinogen. IARC studies consistently found an increased risk of ovarian cancer ranging from 30% to 60%.
Canadian Government (2006):
Classified talc as a “D2A, very toxic, cancer-causing substance” under its Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
Organizations like the National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society now list genital talc use as a risk factor for ovarian cancer.
Biologic Mechanism Linking Talc to Cancer:
Talc is a mineral composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen, structurally similar to asbestos, a known carcinogen. When applied to the genital area, talc particles can migrate into the ovaries, where they become trapped. The particles trigger inflammation, which creates an environment that promotes the development of cancer cells.
Johnson & Johnson’s Failure to Warn Consumers:
Despite overwhelming evidence from medical and scientific studies, Johnson & Johnson has failed to inform U.S. consumers about the risks associated with baby powder. The company has refused to add warning labels to its products, denying the connection to ovarian cancer and continuing to market baby powder for feminine hygiene as safe. Under the crush of litigation, Johnson & Johnson discontinued the sale of its talc-based baby powder in 2020 in the United States. Shamefully, Johnson & Johnson continued to sell its talc-based baby powder on other countries until 2023.
Notable Lawsuits and Verdicts:
February 2016:
A St. Louis jury awarded $72 million to the family of a woman who died from ovarian cancer after decades of baby powder use. This included $62 million in punitive damages. At trial, an epidemiologist testified that the data linking baby powder to ovarian cancer was stronger than data linking hormone therapy to breast cancer.
May 2016:
Another St. Louis jury awarded $55 million to a woman who used Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder for more than 35 years before being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Internal documents revealed the company knew about the risks but decided to prioritize marketing the product as safe.
Johnson & Johnson has made several attempts to side-step its responsibility to cancer victims by filing for bankruptcy despite experiencing no financial distress worthy of bankruptcy protection in the courts. Through this process, it seeks to limit compensation to current cancer victims and deny future cancer victims any justice whatsoever.
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