Johnson & Johnson has tentatively agreed to pay nearly $6.5 billion over 25 years to resolve over 54,000 lawsuits alleging that its talc-based powders caused ovarian cancer in some women. The deal, which still requires approval from 75% of plaintiffs, was revealed in a New Jersey federal court. If accepted, it would be one of the largest lawsuit settlements in history.
Many of the claims are from women who developed ovarian cancer or people diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Some studies have found that talc mineral powders can contain trace amounts of asbestos, a known carcinogen.
J&J maintains that its talc powders are safe and do not cause cancer. However, the company has already paid out billions in damages and settlements, including $700 million to states over misleading advertising and over $2 billion to individual plaintiffs. Earlier this month, J&J paid $45 million to the family of an Illinois mother who died of mesothelioma.
Plaintiffs include 56-year-old Lora Stahl of Nebraska, who claims J&J’s baby powder caused her ovarian cancer and forced her to have a hysterectomy at age 35. Emory Valadez, a 24-year-old from California, alleges the powder led to his developing mesothelioma.
Under the proposed settlement, J&J would establish a subsidiary that would file for bankruptcy and administer the payouts to resolve all current and future talc claims. The company said it would continue to defend itself in court while seeking the plaintiff’s approval of the deal.
The law firm of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is among those representing plaintiffs in talc powder lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson. Our firm is working to assist alleged victims in their pursuit of justice and financial compensation for the harm they allege J&J’s products caused.
What is the Connection between Talcum Powder and Cancer?
Talcum powder is made from talc, a naturally occurring mineral. Some talc deposits can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. While modern talcum powder products are required to be asbestos-free, concerns remain that even asbestos-free talc may pose a cancer risk.
Some studies have suggested that regular use of talcum powder in the genital area may increase the risk of ovarian cancer in women. The theory is that talc particles could travel through the female reproductive tract to the ovaries and cause inflammation, which may contribute to cancer development over time.
There have also been some reports of talc being linked to mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. This may be due to past asbestos contamination of talc.
While study results have been mixed, some meta-analyses have found a modest increased risk of ovarian cancer with genital talc use. However, the evidence is not definitive and more research is needed to confirm a causal link. Out of an abundance of caution, some health agencies recommend that women avoid using talc-based powders in the genital area. Many baby powder manufacturers have also shifted away from talc to alternative ingredients like cornstarch.
Women have filed thousands of lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson claiming that long-term use of its talc powders caused their ovarian cancer. The company announced in 2020 that it would stop selling talc-based baby powder in North America, but maintains that its products are safe.
Talcum Powder Cancer Studies
There have been studies conducted on the link between talcum powder and cancer. While research continues, there are some very strong evidence based studies to show a link.
- Berge, W., Mundt, K., Luu, H., & Boffetta, P. (2018). Genital use of talc and risk of ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis. European Journal of Cancer Prevention, 27(3), 248-257. This meta-analysis reviewed 24 case-control studies and 3 cohort studies, finding a statistically significant 22% increased risk of ovarian cancer with genital talc use.
- Penninkilampi, R., & Eslick, G. D. (2018). Perineal talc use and ovarian cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Epidemiology, 29(1), 41-49. This meta-analysis of 27 observational studies found a 24% increased risk of ovarian cancer associated with perineal talc use.
- Taher, M. K., Farhat, N., Karyakina, N. A., Shilnikova, N., Ramoju, S., Gravel, C. A., … & Krewski, D. (2019). A critical review of the association between perineal use of talc powder and risk of ovarian cancer. Reproductive Toxicology, 90, 88-101. This critical review assessed 30 studies and found a statistically significant association between perineal talc use and ovarian cancer risk.
