Email
ChatTalc, a mineral made up primarily of the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen, has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer in women. Talc may be found in various powders, cosmetics, condoms, and other consumer products. A recent Harvard study reported a 41% increased risk of ovarian cancer in women who use Talcum powder.
In its natural form, some talc may contain asbestos, a substance notoriously characterized as a cause of cancers in and around the lungs. Although home-use talcum products in the United States have been asbestos-free since the 1970s, there still may be a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer amongst women who apply talcum powder regularly in the genital area.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer, the part of the World Health Organization that identifies causes of cancer, classifies the genital use of talc-based body powder as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” More specifically, talcum powder may cause ovarian cancer if powder particles applied to the genital area or on condoms were to find their way through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovary.
The possible increase in risk is alarming because it tampers with the usually low risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in an average woman’s lifetime. My Rhode Island personal injury law firm is perturbed by estimates that there will be 22,000 new ovarian cancer diagnoses in 2014, nearly half of which could be caused by talcum powder.
Women who used Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder or Shower to Shower in the genital area and were diagnosed with either ovarian cancer or endometrial cancer may have reason to file suit. If you or someone you know is in such a situation, our Pawtucket product liability lawyers encourage you to contact us immediately for counsel and possible action.