Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has recently announced it will stop selling its talc-based baby powder products in the United States and Canada. The products have been sold by the company for decades, but, in recent years, widespread lawsuits that allege the talc-based products cause ovarian cancer have dampened the company’s reputation and sales. J&J has been insistent that the decision to discontinue the products is related to declining sales, not to any ongoing consumer lawsuits. The company went as far as to say that its product sales were suffering due to alleged misinformation spread by the plaintiff lawsuits.
How Does Talc Powder Allegedly Cause Ovarian Cancer?
Talcum is a naturally occurring mineral that often contains finite traces of asbestos, which is a known carcinogen. Repeated exposure to asbestos can cause cancerous growths, especially when the substance is inhaled or otherwise enters the body. Johnson & Johnson has long advertised its talc-based baby powders as menstrual hygiene products, directly exposing women to the talc and potentially asbestos.
Most plaintiffs in the lawsuits against J&J are women who have used the baby powder products for menstrual hygiene purposes for many years. The connection between the risk of ovarian cancer and long-time use of the product is strengthened each time another plaintiff comes forth or joins a class action.
J&J has leaned heavily on a few studies that did not find a conclusive link between ovarian cancer and the talc powder products. Citing only some studies and ignoring others with results that side with the plaintiffs’ arguments might not be enough to defend itself and prove a lack of liability, though. The corporation has already lost several multimillion-dollar lawsuits filed by plaintiffs who said their ovarian cancer was caused by the product's frequent use across many years.
(You can get more information about J&J’s decision to remove the product from American and Canadian markets by clicking here and viewing a full article from NBC News.)
Trust Nationwide Talc Powder Lawsuit Leaders
Since 2014, our attorneys from Golomb Legalhave been bringing the legal fight to Johnson & Johnson. We have assisted and represented hundreds of women with ovarian cancer that was linked to their use of J&J talc powder products. Clients and law firms alike and from all corners of the country recognize our name and know we can handle even the most complex and difficult talc powder lawsuits and claims.
If you or a loved one need help filing a claim against Johnson & Johnson, then we want to hear from you. Call (215) 278-4449 now or contact us online as soon as you can.