Talcum Powder and the Risk of Cancer
Talcum powder is used in bath and hygiene products to absorb moisture and prevent skin rashes. It is used in baby powder as well as adult cosmetic products. Some forms of talcum powder have been linked to certain types of cancer, and major manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson are facing multimillion-dollar lawsuits for not warning consumers earlier of the risks associated with their products.
Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral that contains magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. Some natural talc contains asbestos, a substance that has been known to cause lung cancer if inhaled.
Talcum powder is used by some in the genital area, and studies have found links between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer. The harmful particles in talcum powder are very fine, and microscopic irritants can enter the ovaries through the vagina and fallopian tubes to cause inflammation, and ultimately, cancer. Talc is also present in a wide variety of industrial and construction products such as clay and some paints.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, and you regularly used talcum powder, take our quiz to learn more about your legal options.
Links Between Talcum Powder and Cancer
Talc is known as the softest mineral on earth, and it has been used for over 100 years for skincare and cosmetic purposes. Its association with asbestos has been understood for decades, and lawsuits allege that Johnson & Johnson has known about the dangers of its products since 1982. Recent studies have found evidence associating the asbestos found in talc with an increased incidence of cancer, particularly lung and ovarian cancers.
Two case-control studies published in 2016, the African American Cancer Epidemiology Study and the Association Between Talc Use and Ovarian Cancer, found by studying two groups, women with ovarian cancer and women that were cancer-free, that those who had used talcum powder in their genital area were significantly more likely to have developed ovarian cancer. The overall results indicated that women who used talc were 33 percent more likely to have developed ovarian cancer than those who didn’t use the product.
There are also links between talcum powder and lung cancer. Talc has often been found to be contaminated with asbestos. Consumers may inhale the fine particles into the lungs when using talcum powder products. A 2019 study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine contained case studies of 33 people who suffered from mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer. Their only exposure to asbestos was through talcum powder that had been contaminated with the carcinogenic substance.
About Lung Cancer and Ovarian Cancer
Lung cancer begins when cells in the lungs develop abnormally and grow out of control. Asbestos can cause pleural mesothelioma, a type of malignant tumor that forms in the lining of the lungs. Some symptoms may include chest pain, pain when coughing, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss. This form of cancer is most often seen in those who work with asbestos and talc in mines and industrial settings, but recent lawsuits claim links between commercially available talcum powder products and asbestos-related mesothelioma.
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, which produce eggs as well as estrogen and progesterone. The asbestos in talc has been linked by scientists to a higher incidence of ovarian cancer in women who use talcum powder in their genital area. Ovarian cancer often spreads undetected until it reaches the pelvis and the abdomen, making it more difficult to treat at this stage. Signs of ovarian cancer can include bloating and swelling in the abdomen, constipation and changes in bowel habits, frequent urination, and weight loss. This form of cancer is typically treated with surgery and chemotherapy.
Talcum Powder Litigation
In May of 2020, baby powder manufacturer Johnson & Johnson announced it would be ending sales of their talc-based baby powder in North America. The company is facing thousands of lawsuits from patients who claim that asbestos in the product contributed to the development of their ovarian cancer. In 2018, the company was required to pay $4 billion to a group of women who claimed Johnson & Johnson products contributed to their ovarian cancer.
In March of 2019, a jury in California awarded more than $29 million to a woman who claimed Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder-based products was a factor in her mesothelioma. For years, the company insisted that tests showing that their baby powder contains asbestos were faulty and based on poor research. The company continues to defend their product against these claims, despite the evidence.
Other companies that have faced lawsuits related to links between their products and cancer risks include Colgate-Palmolive, Whittaker, Clark & Daniels, Imerys Talc North America, and Vanderbilt Minerals. Juries have awarded millions of dollars to the plaintiffs and their estates in some of these cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Talcum Powder
Should I stop using talcum powder?
You should take care when using any product that has been linked with cancer. The talcum powder you use may be completely safe, but it’s always a good idea to research the specific product you’re using to discover possible health risks. A product may have been pulled from the shelves after you bought it. Johnson & Johnson has already recalled some of their baby powder products. It can be helpful to check with your doctor or specialist about any product you’re not sure of.
A few of the talc products that have been linked to asbestos include:
- Rosemary Talc
- Mennen Shave Talc
- Old Spice Talcum Powder
- Friendship Garden Talcum Powder
- Desert Flower Dusting Powder
- English Leather After Shave Talc
- Faberge Brut Talc
- Coty Airspun Face Powder
- ZBT Baby Powder with Baby Oil
- Clubman Talcum Powder
- Yardley Black Label Baby Powder
- Cashmere Bouquet Body Talc
- Bauer and Black Baby Talc
- Yardley Invisible Talc
There have also been reports in 2017 and 2018 of asbestos-contaminated talc in children’s makeup products in Justice Stores and Claire’s.
Is talcum powder safe to use on babies?
Despite the name, baby powder can be harmful to babies and small children, and many pediatricians recommend against its use for infants. Dusting a baby with powder can create clouds of fine particles that the child could inhale, causing breathing problems and other dangerous health effects.
Is asbestos the only dangerous substance found in talcum powder?
Other carcinogens and dangerous substances have been found in talcum powder, including chromium, nickel, and other hazardous chemicals. Even some substances that are not carcinogenic but are still toxic may be found in talcum powder.
Besides baby powder, what other talc products may be dangerous?
Talc is present in certain cosmetic products like foundation, blush, eye shadow, facial powder, and some lotions. Its industrial uses are widespread and include paint, joint compound, wood putty, clay, and ceramic glaze.
I have ovarian or another form of cancer, and I have used baby powder. Do I have a case?
If the link between your use of talcum powder and the onset of your cancer can be proven in court, you may be entitled to compensation, which could help with your medical bills or other expenses related to your illness. We are currently investigating the links between these products and the risks of cancer. You should speak with an experienced product liability attorney as soon as possible to determine whether you should consider litigation and to explore your legal options.
Take our brief quiz to find out whether you may qualify for a talcum powder-related lawsuit:
