Theories of a link between talcum powder usage and ovarian cancer have reached a fevered pitch thanks to two recent multi-million dollar verdicts. In May of 2016, a Missouri jury awarded a 62-year-old ovarian cancer survivor $55 million in her case against Johnson & Johnson, the maker of Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower talcum powder products. The verdict comes on the heels of an even larger $72 million award rendered in February, 2016 in connection with similar claims. Cherry Hill products liability lawyers say that the outcome in both cases is cause for concern, especially for longtime users of talcum powder.
Although Johnson & Johnson fiercely denies the allegation that Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower are defective products, for decades scientists have been able to identify talc particles in ovarian tumors which were later examined under a microscope. After a Harvard professor in the 1980s argued the existence of a statistically significant link between ovarian cancer diagnoses and talcum powder use, the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2006 classified the product as possibly carcinogenic.
Nearly two dozen studies of women who used talcum powder as a feminine hygiene product have revealed that such use increased the odds of an ovarian cancer diagnosis dramatically. A woman who rarely uses talcum powder has a one in 70 chance of developing ovarian cancer. Meanwhile, one in 50 regular users of talcum powder will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year according to researchers. Scientists who have conducted the studies reportedly have urged Johnson & Johnson to include a warning label on the products, but to no avail. In court, the plaintiffs who prevailed argued that Johnson & Johnson was aware that Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower were dangerous yet chose to market and sell the products anyway.
Cherry Hill Product Liability Lawyers at Folkman Law Offices, P.C. Represent Victims of Defective Products
An estimated 22,280 American women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year according to the American Cancer Society, and more than 14,000 will not survive the illness. If you or a loved one is battling ovarian cancer following regular talcum powder use, you may be entitled to compensation. Cherry Hill product liability lawyers at Folkman Law will evaluate your claim at no cost and aggressively pursue justice for you in court. Contact us today at 856-354-9444 or online, to schedule a consultation at our Cherry Hill, New Jersey offices. We represent clients in South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
