What is Talcum Powder?

Talcum powder, a finely ground form of talc, has been a staple in many personal hygiene routines for decades. Known for its ability to keep skin dry and prevent rashes, it is commonly found in products such as:

• Deodorants
• Body powders
• Medical powders

While talcum powder is widely used, its safety has come under scrutiny due to its potential health risks, particularly for women.

Talcum Powder Litigation Timeline

• 2009: First Talcum Powder Case filed by Deane Berg, claiming her use of talcum powder made her develop ovarian cancer. In 2013, she was granted a unanimous verdict against J&J but no compensation.
• February 2016: A Missouri state jury awards a woman’s family who died of ovarian cancer $72 million.  
• May 2016: A St. Louis jury awards a woman $62 million against J&J agreeing her use of talcum powder products contributed to her development of ovarian cancer.
• October 2016: A St. Louis jury awards $70 million to a woman claiming J&J’s talcum powder product caused her to develop ovarian cancer.
• 2018: A Missouri jury ordered J&J to pay 22 women who developed ovarian cancer $4.69 billion. (Later reduced on appeal to $2.1 billion.)
• May 19, 2020: J&J announced it would stop selling talcum powder products (baby powder and Shower to Shower ®
• October 14, 2021: J&J implemented a bankruptcy strategy to shield itself from legal liability by moving all talc lawsuit liability to a subsidiary: LTL Management and immediately filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
• October 2021: All litigation is stayed while the bankruptcy is pending.
• August 11, 2022: J&J announces it will discontinue all global sales of talcum baby powder.
• January 30, 2023: An appeals court rejects J&J’s chapter 11 bankruptcy, ruling it as improper and all litigation was allowed to resume.
• April 2023: J&J’s subsidiary LTL Management files for bankruptcy a second time, offering a plan which to resolve all current and future cases filed (both reproductive cancer cases and mesothelioma cases) for $8.9 billion.
• July 19, 2023: California Jury awards $18.8 million to a 24-year-old man who developed mesothelioma due to his long-time use of J&J’s baby powder.  
• July 29, 2023: J&J’s second chapter 11 bankruptcy attempt is dismissed.
• March 27, 2024: MDL (Federal Court) Judge orders complete resubmission of Daubert (Expert) Motions due to updates to the Federal Rule of Evidence 702 and new scientific studies published since 2020. As a result, the parties are directed to file their Daubert motions by July 23, 2024.
• April 22, 2024: J&J ordered to pay $45 million to the family of a woman who died from mesothelioma, due to her use of J&J talcum powder products.  
• May 1, 2024: J&J offers to settle all reproductive cancer claims through the bankruptcy process for $6.5 billion as long as 75% of current claimants agree to the proposed settlement plan. Claimants are asked to cast their vote by July 26, 2024.
• June 4, 2024: J&J ordered to pay a woman who developed mesothelioma $260 million.  
• August 16, 2024: South Carolina Jury awards $63 million to man who developed mesothelioma due to talcum powder use.
• September 20, 2024: J&J announces 83% of current reproductive talcum powder injury claimants support its pre-packaged $8 billion settlement plan. The plan resolves a vast majority of all claims, with the exception of mesothelioma lawsuits being addressed separately and Red River Talc LLC, J&J’s new subsidiary files a chapter 11 bankruptcy petition in the United State Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. The case is assigned to Judge Christopher M.Lopez.
• September 25, 2024: Texas Bankruptcy Judge, Christopher Lopez stays all litigation involving J&J talcum powder lawsuits involving reproductive cancer to address jurisdictional question in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy for J&J’s new subsidiary Red River Talc LLC.  
• December 2, 2024: Bankruptcy Judge Lopez continues the stay of all litigation involving reproductive cancer until March 15, 2025. At this time there are over 58,000 talcum powder related cases filed against J&J claiming talcum powder caused ovarian cancer.

Related Health Risks

When talcum powder is used near the genital area, talc particles can travel through the reproductive tract and reach the ovaries. Once there, the body struggles to remove these particles, which can embed in the ovarian tissue. This may lead to inflammation, a known factor in the development of cancer. Over time, the presence of talc in the ovaries may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

Studies have suggested a link between talcum powder use in the genital area and a higher likelihood of developing ovarian cancer because talc mines are known to contain asbestos— a known carcinogen.

The Link to Ovarian Cancer

The potential connection between talc-based powders and ovarian cancer has prompted thousands of women to take legal action against manufacturers. One of the most prominent cases involves Johnson & Johnson, a leading producer of talc-based products.

Lawsuits allege that Johnson & Johnson was aware of studies suggesting a link between talc use and ovarian cancer but failed to warn consumers. Instead, they continued to market and sell these products, which critics argue placed profits over public safety.

These lawsuits aim to hold the manufacturer accountable and seek compensation for the harm caused to countless women.

What You Should Know

If you or someone you love has used talcum powder for personal hygiene and developed ovarian cancer, it’s important to understand your rights. While not every case of ovarian cancer is linked to talc, medical and legal professionals can help determine whether you may be eligible for compensation.

Get Legal Support

The health risks associated with talcum powder are significant, and those affected deserve justice. Filing a claim can help you secure compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by talc-related health issues.

If you believe your diagnosis may be linked to talcum powder use, don’t wait. Contact the Johnson Law Group today to explore your options. Legal consultations are confidential.