Johnson and Johnson Talc Lawsuit: Talc Side Effects and Damages

What Is Talc and Why Do Cosmetic Companies Use It?

The American Cancer Society defines talc as a “mineral made up mainly of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen.”

Generally, talcum powder products use talc for its moisture-absorbing, friction-reducing properties to keep skin dry and prevent rashes.

Raw talc in its natural form may contain asbestos fibers, a substance linked to various health risks.

Here are reasons brands like Johnson & Johnson use talcum powder in their products:

• Established ingredient: As the softest mineral on earth, there is proof of talc powder use dating back to ancient Egypt.
• Accepted global use: Talc powder applications are more common than most people think. In fact, some food items like rice, olive oil, and chewing gum contain small portions of it.
• Independent authority approvals: Throughout the years, government and non-government agencies have investigated the risk of talcum powder exposure and deemed it safe. 

Despite its widespread use in several products, more and more people are filing talcum powder lawsuits because of recent medical and scientific scrutiny.

Today, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) warns that talcum powder contaminated with asbestos is “carcinogenic to humans.”

Do Brands Need FDA Approval for Talcum Powder Use?

No, brands like J&J don’t need approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for talcum powder use.

Since talc powder is a commonly used cosmetics ingredient, the government agency did not impose strict regulations before these items went to market.

The law also does not require companies to share safety information about their products, including Johnson and Johnson baby powder.

However, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act states that distributors should properly label their products and ensure they are safe for consumer use.

Should the FDA deem it necessary to take action against cosmetic products to protect public health, it should have enough valid proof that they can cause harm.

Today, the agency continues to monitor talcum powder cases for potential asbestos contamination.

Health Concerns Associated With Talcum Powder Products

To date, J&J’s talcum powder lawsuits have been filed by nearly 40,000 people.

J&J recently offered almost $9 billion to settle these claims, but the offer has not yet been accepted.

The breadth of the Talc Litigation supports a link between talc products and health concerns. Let’s look at some of the most common ones below.

Ovarian Cancer Risk

Experts follow two schools of thought about how talc products can cause ovarian cancer risks.

First, since baby powder contains talc, some batches may contain asbestos, a known carcinogen.

Because contaminated particles are so small, they can stay trapped in the ovaries after genital powder use and damage cells enough to cause cancer.

While talcum powder in the U.S. should have been asbestos-free since the 1970s, the government does not directly oversee manufacturing processes.

Some specialists believe that J&J’s talcum powder products, like other similar items, still contain this carcinogen.

Harvard University researcher Dr. Daniel Cramer has been studying this issue for almost 40 years, and he supports a different theory that also involves genital talcum powder use.

Research indicates that when women apply baby powder in this region, small particles move toward the vaginal canal and travel to the ovaries.

Eventually, the foreign particles cause inflammation that leads to ovarian cancer, whether they contain asbestos or not.

Mesothelioma Risk

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells that line the body’s cavities and internal organs.

The leading cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure, which accounts for up to 80% of live cases.

When a person inhales talcum powder, it’s possible to also inhale asbestos-laden fibers.

For this reason, individuals with prolonged exposure to contaminated baby powder and industrial talc may be prone to mesothelioma.

Pneumonia Risk

Inhalation of talc particles that may lead to shortness of breath and wheezing in adults and babies.

Since these substances are so small, people can inhale them with the air they breathe.

Eventually, individuals with prolonged airway obstructions may develop pneumonia.

Experts warn against using baby powder and similar products near children or grown-ups with asthma because they can cause irritation.

Talcosis Risk

Also called talc pneumoconiosis, talcosis is a rare lung disease often found in workers exposed to the substance.

The list includes talc miners and cosmetic talc product manufacturers.

On rare occasions, some reports, such as a 2011 case from Respiratory Medicine CME, link pulmonary talcosis to recurrent baby powder aspiration.

This study covered the journey of a previously healthy 52-year-old woman admitted to the hospital after experiencing these symptoms:

• A persistent dry cough that lasted two months
• Rapid weight loss of 20 pounds
• Radiographic evidence of interstitial lung disease

Reports showed that the patient had been using baby powder for the past 20 years.

She applied the product on her body at least twice daily, usually after bathing.

She also occasionally sprinkled powder on her sheets at night.

After treatment, her symptoms quickly improved until she was well enough to forego oxygen therapy.

Do You Qualify for a Talc Powder Cancer Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, or other forms of cancer subsequent to using talcum powder or talc-based baby powder, you may qualify to participate in a talcum powder lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for a Talcum Powder Lawsuit instantly.

We are here to help Talcum Powder plaintiffs secure financial compensation for what they’ve experienced, and hold the manufacturers of these products liable.

Steps For Filing A Talcum Powder Lawsuit

Before taking the initial steps for filing a baby powder lawsuit, you need to ensure that you mitigate injury by seeking proper medical treatment and following any orders that your doctor tells you.

After seeking proper medical attention, your next step is to familiarize yourself with the process of a civil lawsuit, so that you are aware of the steps involved in your baby powder lawsuit.

Then, you should hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you as your talcum powder lawyer.

Your talcum powder lawyer will help you to gather evidence, determine damages, establish liability and gain compensation for your talcum powder injuries.

Hiring A Talcum Powder Lawyer

Hiring a talcum powder lawyer to represent you in your baby powder lawsuit is one of the most important decisions that you will make.

You want to be sure that you hire a talcum powder lawyer who is experienced in personal injury lawsuits, toxic tort lawsuits, and product liability lawsuits.

Gathering Evidence For Talc Powder Lawsuits

Evidence is extremely important in a Talc Powder Lawsuit.

Your Talcum Powder attorney will be able to help you determine what evidence to retain for your case, and can help you secure evidence if you have trouble doing so.

Evidence in Talcum Powder Lawsuits may include:

• Medical records
• Medical bills
• Receipts of purchase of talcum powder products
• Photos and videos
• Witness testimony
• Any other evidence or proof that you used talcum powder products

Assessing Damages In A Talc Powder Lawsuit

Damages refer to the total amount of losses, economic and non-economic, incurred as a result of using talcum powder or toxic baby powder.

Your talc powder lawyers will be able to help determine and calculate your damages.

Damages in a Talcum Powder Lawsuit may include:

• Medical bills
• Future medical costs
• Lost income
• Lost earning capability
• Pain and suffering
• Lost quality of life
• Permanent disability
• Other compensatory and punitive damages

TorHoerman Law: Your Talc Powder Lawyer

Our law firm is committed to filing suit and seeking compensation for people harmed at no fault of their own.

We understand the difficulty of dealing with severe medical conditions while coming to terms with the legal process ahead of you.

We are here to alleviate your worries, fight for your rights, and secure financial compensation for what you’ve been through.

You’re not alone in this.

If you or a loved one used talcum powder and subsequently developed ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, or another related cancer or illness, you may be eligible for a baby powder lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the talc lawsuit instantly.

Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means we DO NOT charge for legal representation unless your case ends in success.

Reach out to us for more information. We’re here to help.

TorHoerman Law: Your Baby Powder Lawyers.