Is there a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer?

The link between talcum powder and cancer

As most people know, asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is a known carcinogen, which is why it is banned from use in many products in the United States. Unfortunately, asbestos deposits are often found in close proximity to talc deposits, which means contamination is possible, explains a March 2016 New York Times article.

Here in lies the issue for many women who use talcum powder on a regular basis near their genital area. It’s believed that constant exposure to asbestos-containing talc could lead to the development of cancer, as supported by the 1971 study mentioned above, which noted the presence of talc particles in ovarian and cervical tumors.

Some women are starting to take legal action

Fueled by support from studies like the 1971 study above, some women are taking legal action to hold manufacturers accountable for allowing a potentially dangerous product to remain on market shelves for so long. At the center of at least two class actions is the multi-million dollar consumer products company Johnson & Johnson, which has already been ordered to pay $55 million and $72 million in two separate awards.

Women across the nation are continually surprised by Johnson & Johnson’s behavior concerning this very serious issue. Not only does the company continue to insist its baby powder product is safe, it also plans to appeal the two verdicts awarded to victims.

In addition to this, Johnson & Johnson still has yet to put warning labels on its baby powder products to warn users of the short-term dangers — inhalation can cause serious illness or death in infants — as well as the long-term dangers, in spite of the fact that the company’s talc supplier added warnings to its labels in 2006. This has only further fueled negligence claims made against Johnson & Johnson.