Long Island Talcum Powder Lawyer

Duffy & Duffy Law is reviewing cases on behalf of women who developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using talc powder or other talc products.

Since 1971, more than 20 studies have linked talcum (talc) powder to ovarian cancer, and, in 2003, an analysis of 16 of these studies found that ** women using talcum powder were 33 percent more likely to develop ovarian cancer.** It has been alleged that Johnson & Johnson, the maker of popular talc-based products, knew about the risk of ovarian cancer since at least 1982, but failed to warn women using these products.

In addition, recently unearthed information reported by The New York Times showed that Johnson & Johnson knew of the possible link of asbestos to their talc products. According to the article, the company spent decades trying to keep this negative information from reaching the public

Does Talcum Powder Cause Cancer?

For decades, researchers have been studying the potential link between ovarian cancer and talcum powder. It is believed that talc powder, when used near the genitals, can travel to the ovaries and become embedded in ovarian tissue. While talc is a natural mineral, it is very difficult for the body to remove the particles, and, as a result, inflammation may occur and cancerous tumors may form.

The first study to suggest that talc may cause ovarian cancer was published in 1971 in the medical journal The Lancet. In the study, researchers discovered that a majority of ovarian tumors had talc particles “deeply embedded” in them. Then, in 1982, researchers found that women using talcum powder during ovulation were at a 92 percent increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. During the next three decades, an additional 21 studies were performed on talc powder, and almost all of these studies found that women using these products near their genitals were at an increased risk for developing ovarian cancer.

To date, both the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society consider talc use near the genitals as a “risk factor” for ovarian cancer. Despite this possible link, Johnson & Johnson and other talc powder manufacturers have not placed warnings about this risk on their products.

Our Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorneys guide you through every step.

When you contact our NY firm, you can rest easy knowing that we provide both sound legal advice as well as a compassionate attitude to walk alongside you. Although your experience was both physically and emotionally painful, our lawyers will give you peace of mind. It’s imperative that you seek out a local law firm that is after your best interests. We have earned a reputation as aggressive litigators and we will take the time to talk through your case, listen to your concerns, and guide you through the legal process. When you contact our firm, you can rest easy knowing that we provide both sound legal advice as well as a compassionate attitude to walk alongside you.

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• About the Talcum Powder Lawsuit

What is talc?

Talc is a soft, naturally occurring mineral made of oxygen, silicon, and magnesium. After talc is mined and processed, the resulting fine powder is used in a variety of cosmetic products.

What is talc used for?

Talc appears in a wide range of products, including talcum powder (baby powder), feminine hygiene products, makeup, lotions, and deodorant. As talcum powder is known for its odor-and-moisture-absorbing properties, some women use it in their genital area. Genital exposure to the mineral can also occur during condom, menstrual pad, or diaphragm use.

Why is talc harmful?

In nature, talc deposits are often found near dangerous accumulations of the carcinogenic mineral asbestos. Asbestos has been linked to many types of cancer, including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, a rare disease of the lungs. Even trace amounts of asbestos have the potential to cause cancer, and diagnoses are often made decades after a talc-containing product was used.

Although the federal government required talc-based wares to be asbestos-free starting in the 1970s, scientists have noted that it is difficult to comply. In addition, there is evidence that companies continued to sell talc products that tested positive for asbestos long after regulations went into effect. A recent Reuters report showed that Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder contained asbestos from 1971 through the early 2000s, exposing consumers to serious risks for decades.

The International Journal of Gynecological Cancer states that women who use talcum powder on their genital area have a 30% to 60% increased risk of cancer. Researchers believe that talc causes the disease by provoking chronic inflammation of the fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries, and potentially suppressing cancer-fighting antibodies.

Talcum powder also has been connected to mesothelioma, a rare lung cancer. When the small airborne particles enter the lungs, they can cause irritation, chronic inflammation, and the eventual formation of cancerous tumors.

Contact Us

Contact a Long Island talcum powder lawyer today at (516) 394-4200.

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