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    Carrollton Talcum Powder Lawyer

    For years, medical professionals were aware that talcum powder posed a threat to children and babies who breathed it in, yet they stood idly by: Now, women who have used some of the fine-powder, talc-containing products from Johnson & Johnson (J&J) on their perineum (genital area) are claiming that these products caused their ovarian cancer. These women are seeking compensation from the pharmaceutical giant, Johnson & Johnson in a product liability case. If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after regular use of talcum powder, contact a Carrollton product liability lawyer.

    The Potential Danger of Talcum Powder

    Prior to the 1970s, some talcum products used in the home contained asbestos. Asbestos is a substance that can cause lung cancer when inhaled; however, since that time this natural-occurring asbestos has been removed from modern consumer products that contain talc. Unfortunately, even without the asbestos, there is a link between ovarian cancer and the use of products containing talc on the perineum area.

    Talcum powder consists of a mineral that contains magnesium, oxygen, hydrogen and silicon. When in its powder form, this mineral (talc) is absorbent and reduces friction; thus, making it suitable to assist in the prevention of rashes by keeping the skin dry. Talc is a common ingredient in cosmetic products, such as adult facial and body powders, and baby powder.

    For decades, women have dusted their genital areas and sprinkled their undergarments, and sanitary napkins with talc-based powders. By using these powders, their perineum areas remained cooler. Talcum powder also helped women feel more comfortable because it discouraged the development of vaginal odors.

    How Talcum Powder Reaches the Ovaries

    When talcum powder is applied to the genital area, undergarments and/or on sanitary napkins, some of the powder particles could potentially travel up the vagina, into the uterus, through the Fallopian tubes, thus, eventually reaching the ovaries. Other ways that talcum powder could reach the ovaries include the use of talc-dusted diaphragms and condoms.

    Although the findings of studies related to ovarian cancer and talcum powder have been mixed, some studies do report a slight increase in the risk of ovarian cancer for women whose ovaries are exposed to talcum powder.

    Expert Agencies Address Ovarian Cancer and Talcum Powder Use

    The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is an agency within the World Health Organization (WHO), classifies the use of talc-based body powder on the genital area as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

    According to The American Cancer Society, studies related to the personal use of talcum powder have mixed results; however, the use of talcum powder on the genital area may increase a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer.

    Deane Berg v. Johnson & Johnson

    Deane Berg is a physician’s assistant from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Berg states that she used Johnson & Johnson Shower to Shower and Baby Powder on a daily basis from 1975 through 2007 as a feminine hygiene product and as a means to ease chafing in her perineum area. In 2006, Berg started to spot bleed between her menstrual cycles, at first, she did not think much of it: She was 48-years-old and presumed the spotting was due to her impending menopause.

    In late 2006, Berg’s pelvic exam indicated clotting blood in her ovaries, she underwent several more tests that eventually confirmed she had ovarian cancer. Berg’s claim against Johnson & Johnson states that talc, which is a key ingredient in J&J’s Shower to Shower and Baby Powder products, caused her ovarian cancer. Berg states that there should have been a warning on the products about the association between ovarian cancer and the use of talc products in the vaginal area.

    Once cancerous tissues were removed from Berg’s body, they were examined by three doctors. All three doctors found talc particles embedded within the tissues. This realization led to the conclusion that talcum powder caused Berg’s ovarian cancer.

    Dr. Daniel Cramer of Harvard University Testifies

    Dr. Daniel Cramer is one of the three doctors who examined Berg’s tissues. He has been studying the connection between talcum powder and ovarian cancer for 30 years. During his court testimony, Cramer states that talcum powder is most likely the contributing factor in 10,000 cases of ovarian cancer each year.

    Although Berg won her claim, the court ruled that the drug company did not have liability because J&J was not part of a conspiracy; therefore, Berg received no financial damages. Her appeal for damages was denied. However, Berg’s case paved the way for some of the lawsuits currently being filed against J&J.

    Berg Relieved Following a Family’s Successful Lawsuit Against J&J

    In 2006, Berg refused a settlement from J&J in the amount of $1.3 million because she did not want to sign a confidentiality agreement. Although she was not awarded financial compensation following her lawsuit, she is happy that the family of Jacqueline Fox was awarded damages.

    Just like Berg, Jacqueline Fox used Johnson & Johnson’s Shower to Shower and Baby Powder consistently; however, Fox did not survive her fight with ovarian cancer. Fox’s family filed a suit against J&J and the jury found Johnson & Johnson liable for conspiracy, negligence and fraud. Lawyers proved that the company knew the dangers their products posed and did nothing to warn consumers. Fox’s family was awarded more than $70 million in damages for Jacqueline’s death.

    Johnson & Johnson Neglected to Provide Warning Labels on Their Products

    Even with mounting evidence that the use of talcum powder in the female genital area could cause serious health effects, major manufacturers of products containing talcum powder did not place warning labels on their products to warn consumers about the potential dangers.

    Now, women all over the country are hiring Carrollton talcum powder lawyers to assist them in recovering damages from J&J for the injuries they believe occurred due to the use of talcum powder on their genital areas.

    Class-Action Lawsuits Against Johnson & Johnson

    In 2014, two class-action lawsuits were filed against Johnson & Johnson. Both suits claim that J&J is responsible for giving the women involved in these suits ovarian cancer. The women state that using J&J’s talcum powder products on their genital areas caused their ovarian cancer.

    Parian Law Firm in metro Atlanta represents individuals and families who have been injured due to the use of Johnson and Johnson’s talc containing products. If you, or someone you care about used J&J products that contain talc and have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, please contact us today. Our Carrollton talcum powder lawyers are happy to discuss and evaluate your potential talcum powder claim.