The National Council of Negro Women has filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, alleging that the company marketed its talc-based baby powder to Black women amid concerns over the product’s link to ovarian cancer. According to a USA Today news report, the lawsuit accuses the company of targeting its marketing of talc-based baby powder to Black women despite knowing its link to ovarian cancer. The lawsuit alleges that an aggressive marketing campaign was carried out, even though several studies had shown that talc-based powders posed a cancer risk when used for feminine hygiene.
The case cites reports describing Johnson & Johnson’s targeted marketing to Black women, including a 2019 Reuters report that nearly half of the company’s spending on promotions for baby powder in 2008 and 2010 was “directed at overweight and minority women.”
Talc and Ovarian Cancer
Talcum powder’s main ingredient is highly purified talc, a soft mineral consisting of elements such as magnesium, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Researchers found that women who used talcum powder in their genital area faced a 20% higher risk of ovarian cancer than women who did not use it. Johnson & Johnson faces thousands of lawsuits relating to its talcum powder products from women who say they suffered ovarian cancer from using the products.
However, the company has maintained that its Baby Powder is safe and its campaigns are “multicultural and inclusive.” After years of scrutiny and lawsuits, J&J stopped selling talc powder in the United States and Canada. Cornstarch-based baby powder is still available.
According to the American Cancer Society, 22,000 new ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed annually nationwide. About 14,000 women die of the disease each year. More women die of ovarian cancer than other cancers associated with the female reproductive system. Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed late, minimizing the chances for a cure. This happens because there is no formal screening method.
If You Have Been Affected
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer due to using J&J or other talcum powder products, it is essential to understand that you can seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, cost of hospitalization, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. An experienced talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney who has successfully handled such cases will be able to help victims, and their families secure justice and maximum compensation for their losses.
Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/07/27/talc-based-baby-powder-marketed-black-women-j-j-lawsuit-claims/5391526001/
