Talcum powder has always been a crucial product for cosmetics throughout generations in America. It’s the go-to product for preventing chafing, absorbing moisture, and keeping your skin dry and comfortable. But you may not realize that talc, the main ingredient in talcum powder, can cause serious health problems if used regularly.
In fact, the $86 billion cosmetics and personal care sector is highly unregulated, where women use an average of 12 products that contain at least 168 chemicals.
Multiple lawsuits are pending against Johnson & Johnson (J&J) over claims that its Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower products contain asbestos, a known carcinogen, and other harmful chemicals that increase women’s risk of ovarian cancer.
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The Connection Between Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
In the US, talc is found in several places like Appalachians, Nevada, Washington, Idaho, Piedmont, Alabama, New Mexico, California, Montana, Texas, etc. It has been used for centuries in cosmetics, including baby and adult body powders.
Many studies have found that this commonly used mineral can increase the risk of ovarian cancer. For instance, a recent study shows that women using talcum powder are at a 30% higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. That’s why people have been suing manufacturers creating talcum powder and not educating the users about this potential health concern.
The number of talcum powder lawsuits is increasing gradually. And due to the vital link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, manufacturers like J&J have to face the consequences. In fact, according to TorHoerman Law, the most recent update about the talcum powder lawsuits is that J&J has reached a deal to settle the claims for $8.9 billion.
You can also get a suitable amount of this $8.9 if you or a loved one is diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum powder. All you need to do is find the right lawyer and file the talcum powder lawsuit.
Allergic Reactions and Skin Irritation
Talcum powder can cause irritation and allergic reactions when it comes into contact with your skin. This can happen if you use talcum powder as an ingredient in your DIY beauty products or are exposed to it directly on your body.
Talcum powder has been linked to cases of ovarian cancer in women who frequently used the product on their genitals throughout their lives. While studies haven’t yet shown conclusively a link between talc exposure and ovarian cancer risk, many experts recommend avoiding all products containing this ingredient until more research has been done about its safety profile, especially when applied internally.
Legal Battles and Industry Regulation
Talcum powder lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson and other companies. In addition to these legal battles, the industry is taking steps to prevent future lawsuits.
In 2016, a jury awarded $72 million in damages to the family of an Alabama woman who died from ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder for years on her genitals. The company appealed this decision and lost again when an appeals court ruled that there was sufficient evidence linking talc with ovarian cancer.
Besides the recent settlement, J&J settled around 1,000 talc lawsuits in October 2020 for a compensation of more than $100 million.
Several similar cases are pending across America. If these plaintiffs win their cases, it could cost J&J hundreds of millions or even billions in damages and potentially drive up prices for consumers who use its products daily.
How to Find the Right Lawyer for Talcum Powder Lawsuit
If you’re considering filing a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, you should know that several factors can affect your ability. The most important is finding a lawyer with experience in talcum powder lawsuits.
Many different types of lawyers specialize in different areas; personal injury attorneys, corporate lawyers, and bankruptcy attorneys all have their specialties. When it comes to talcum powder cases specifically, you must find someone who has worked for injured clients using this product or its ingredients.
An excellent way to find such an attorney is through word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family members who have had similar experiences. These people will likely know which firms have already handled cases involving these substances successfully because they’ve seen firsthand how successful those outcomes were.
Should You Use Talcum Powder?
While talcum powder is a cosmetic product, not a medicine, and therefore not regulated by the FDA in the same way as drugs are. As such, it doesn’t have to meet the same safety standards as pharmaceuticals.
However, since talcum is linked with various cancers, it is best to avoid prolonged use of it. Simply put, there’s no definitive answer to this. It will certainly depend on whether you want to use it or not.
The best thing to do here is to consult your doctor and give him or her your medical history. Based on your medical history and how talcum powder affects your body, your doctor will be better positioned to let you know whether or not to use it.
Safer Alternatives and Consumer Awareness
As a consumer, you have the right to know the risks and controversies surrounding talcum powder. As seen in this article, many health concerns are associated with using talcumm powders on your body. To reduce these risks, find safer alternatives for personal hygiene products, such as baby powder or adult feminine hygiene products like tampons or sanitary napkins.
If you believe that you or someone else has been affected by exposure to talcum powders, please contact our law firm today for a free consultation about your legal rights.
Conclusion
As you can see, talcum powders is a controversial topic. While it may have been an effective way to manage sweaty and smelly feet in the past, there are safer alternatives available today that don’t pose these health risks. If you or someone close to you has been affected by talcum powders use, we encourage them to talk with an attorney who specializes in this area of law so they can get the help they need moving forward.
