The Dangers of Talc Powder for Women and Children

Talc-based powders are used by many women as part of their personal hygiene routine and many parents use baby powder on their infants to prevent diaper rash. Despite the popularity of talc-based products, however, they present many dangers to women and children.

For instance, a recent study found that women who regularly use talcum powder in the genital region increase their risk of ovarian cancer by 24 percent. This recent data supports previous studies suggesting a link between talc and ovarian cancer, including an analysis conducted by the American Cancer Society that found a 30% increase in ovarian risk among talc users.

Researchers say that the increased risk of ovarian cancer could be caused by talcum particles traveling into a woman’s body and causing inflammation, thereby creating an environment that allows cancer cells to thrive. Using talcum powder on other parts of the body has currently not been found to increase cancer risks.

Additionally, pediatricians recommend against using talc-based baby powder on children since babies can easily inhale the talc particles that are carried in the air. When talc particles are inhaled, they can dry an infant’s mucous membranes, impede the baby’s breathing, and cause lung damage. According to this article, studies have shown that talc can lead to shortness of breath and wheezing in babies, as well as an obstruction of the airways. Some babies have even developed pneumonia and died as a result of respiratory failure caused by inhaling talc-based baby powder. Not only is talc-based baby powder dangerous for babies, but some doctors recommend that it not be used around older children or adults who have asthma as well since the talc particles can cause irritation to the airways when inhaled.

Manufacturers of dangerous products can be held liable for the injuries that their products cause and many woman are taking legal action against the makers of talc-based body powders. In fact, last fall, a federal jury in Sioux Falls found Johnson & Johnson liable for a woman’s ovarian cancer that was attributed to her extended use of Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products. Three doctors who testified in the plaintiff’s lawsuit indicated that talc was the cause of the plaintiff’s cancer and one of those doctors, Dr. Daniel Cramer of Harvard University who has studied the link between talc and cancer for 30 years, testified that talc is probably a contributing factor in about 10,000 cases of ovarian cancer each year.

The Chicago talcum powder attorneys at Ankin Law, LLC are now accepting cases for possible talc liability lawsuits. We are committed to protecting the victims of unsafe consumer products, including talc-based products. We have considerable experience representing clients in a wide variety of personal injury and product liability lawsuits, including class actions lawsuits based on unsafe consumer products. Moreover, we take cases on a contingency fee basis so you don’t pay unless you win.

If you would like more information about the dangers of talc-based products, contact the Chicago class action lawyers at Ankin Law, LLC at (312) 481-6405 to discuss a possible talcum powder lawsuit.