Baby powder is one of those of household staples that can be found in just about anyone’s home, regardless of whether or not there is a baby in the picture. We use it after showers and on hot days to stay dry, and that familiar, nostalgic scent reminds us of our own childhoods. The Johnson & Johnson brand name has become almost synonymous with baby powder, earning the trust of consumers who have used the product for generations. Unfortunately, the company has been involved in increasing controversy over allegations that using their product could result in an increased risk for certain types of cancers. Product liability lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson claim the company knew of the dangers, and victims are seeking compensation for the damages they have suffered. As more victims come forward, the following is an update on the current legal situation the company is facing, as well as information you need to be aware of if you use or have used this product.
Johnson & Johnson Lawsuits
According to a March 2016 article in Bloomberg Businessweek, Johnson & Johnson is currently facing lawsuits from more than 1,000 women who claim that the use of the company’s product resulted in ovarian cancer. Generations of women have relied on baby powder as a means of feminine hygiene, sprinkling it on their underwear in the morning or after bathing, a practice that the Johnson & Johnson company itself encouraged. Unfortunately, women who have used the product in this manner could be facing increased risks for ovarian cancer, something the lawsuits filed allege the company was aware of as early as the 1980s, when researchers detected traces of the powder in the tumors of ovarian cancer patients.
To date, more than 1,000 women have filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, with thousands more expected to follow in the coming months. Juries have thus far awarded several women and their families compensatory and punitive damages worth millions of dollar, and additional cases are expected to go to court over the summer and fall.
The Facts About Baby Powder and Cancer Risks
Ovarian cancer is a particularly deadly form of cancer affecting more than 20,000 women each year. The Bloomberg report states that while a woman’s overall odds of developing of it are roughly one in 70, these odds increase for women who use talcum powder regularly in the genital region to one in 53. The American Cancer Society advises that one of the factors that makes ovarian concern so deadly is delayed diagnosis. Symptoms can be subtle, and may be attributed to menstruation or other issues. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer spreads aggressively to other regions, and failing to recognize signs can delay treatment until it is too late. Symptoms women should be aware of and report to the doctor immediately include the following:
- Cramping and abdominal pain;
- Sudden weight gain or feelings of being bloated;
- Feeling excessively tired or fatigued;
- Experiencing stomach and digestive issues;
- Having an irregular menstrual cycle;
- Problems with lower back pain or urinating;
- Experiencing discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.
Reach Out to a Defective Product Attorney Immediately
If you or a woman you care about has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and you suspect it may be linked to baby powder, contact our experienced Portland personal injury attorney right away. At the Johnston Law Firm, we understand the devastating consequences that thousands of women are experiencing, and are dedicated to helping hold Johnson & Johnson accountable for the pain and suffering they have caused through their negligent actions. Get the justice you deserve and call or contact our office online today for a free and confidential case consultation.