Baby Powder FAQ

What is Baby Powder?
Baby powder is an astringent powder used for preventing diaper rash, as a deodorant, and for feminine hygiene purposes. It may be composed of talc (in which case it is known as talcum powder) or cornstarch. Talc is made of magnesium, silicon and oxygen, which absorb moisture and help reduce friction, making it useful for keeping skin dry and preventing rashes.

Does Talcum Powder Cause Ovarian Cancer?
The talc particles in baby powder are extremely fine and can travel into a woman’s vagina, through her fallopian tubes and become embedded in the ovaries. Over time, the ovaries become irritated from the talc particles, which causes cancerous cells to develop, grow and spread.

How Long has the Link Between Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer Been Known?
Studies dating back to the 1970s have found links between the use of talcum baby powder for feminine hygiene and increased rates of ovarian cancer. Women who use talcum powder on a weekly basis face a 33% increased risk of the disease. Daily use for perineal dusting increases the risk to 41% compared to women who don’t use talcum powder regularly, according to the research.

What are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Quickly feeling full when eating
• Weight loss
• Discomfort in the pelvis area
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• Frequent need to urinate

How Dangerous is Ovarian Cancer?
Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is rarely diagnosed before the disease has already spread beyond the ovaries to the abdomen and pelvic regions. More than 14,000 American women lose their fight against ovarian cancer each year, according to the Conquer Cancer Foundation. Sadly, even the women who do survive are still left with significant pain and suffering, as well as medical bills which may take a lifetime to pay off.

Who is Most at Risk for Developing Ovarian Cancer?
Any woman who uses or has regularly used talcum powder for feminine hygiene in the past faces an increased risk of ovarian cancer, according to studies. The risk of developing the disease ranges from 33% to 41% higher than for women who don’t use talcum powder, depending on the frequency and duration of use.

How is it Possible to Prove that Ovarian Cancer was Caused by Baby Powder?
Since talc takes many years to break down in the body, experts can determine through tissue samples and pathology reports if the fibers were found in the woman’s ovaries. If so, it is likely that baby powder was a contributing factor to the woman’s ovarian cancer.

Why Didn’t I Know About the Link Between Baby Powder and Cancer Until Now?
Johnson & Johnson has been accused of concealing information about the link between baby powder and ovarian cancer for years, while actively marketing the product as safe. Lawsuits already underway in courts assert that the company funded a task force aimed at keeping this information hidden from the public.

Will Johnson & Johnson Recall its Talcum Powder Products?
Despite the recent verdicts against Johnson & Johnson, as well as the numerous studies linking talc to ovarian cancer, the company has still issued no recall for its baby powder or Shower-to-Shower. Instead, J&J may be forced to add stronger warnings to the labeling of these products, allowing users to make the decision for themselves about whether the benefits outweigh the risks. Informing potential users about the risks of talcum powder may have helped thousands of women avoid developing ovarian cancer.

What Does the FDA Say about the Baby Powder Cancer Link?
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has routinely ignored citizen petitions demanding that a warning be applied to labels of talcum powder products. Ovarian cancer experts and consumer safety groups are among those calling on the agency to enforce such a warning.

Who is Eligible to File a Baby Powder Lawsuit?
Any woman who developed ovarian cancer after using Johnson’s Baby Powder, Shower-to-Shower or other talc-containing product may be eligible to file a claim. Women and the families of women who died from cancer may be entitled to meaningful compensation through the filing of a baby powder lawsuit.

How Much Does it Cost to File a Claim?
We will assess each prospective client’s case and give our analysis absolutely free of charge. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no charge unless we win compensation in your case.

What is the Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit?
Most states have specific statutes of limitations regarding the amount of time you have to file a baby powder lawsuit. This is why you should act now to protect your claim – contact our lawyers today to learn more about your legal rights.