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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by Tort Defenders’ writers and staff and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney.
If you regularly use talcum powder, you may be worried about a potential connection between talcum powder and cancer. Scientists are still investigating the link between this common cosmetic product and ovarian and lung cancer. It’s now known that several popular talcum powder brands contained asbestos fibers until relatively recently.
You may be slightly more likely to develop certain illnesses if you use talcum powder regularly, especially around your genitals. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or want to understand the link between talcum powder and cancer, this guide explains the risks and outlines the available scientific research. It also explains what to do if you think using talcum powder has caused you to develop a health condition.
Talcum Powder and Asbestos
Talcum powder is a body care product made from talc, a natural mineral containing magnesium and silicon. Some people use talcum powder to reduce skin irritation because it absorbs moisture. Several other products, such as face powder, baby powder and certain deodorants, may contain talc as an ingredient.
In its pure form, talc is asbestos-free. However, asbestos can contaminate talc because the two substances are often found in the same mines. In the 1970s, scientists discovered asbestos in cosmetics containing talcum powder. Later examinations of American mines producing talc for the cosmetic industry found anthophyllite and tremolite asbestos fibers.
These findings generated significant public interest in the link between talcum powder and cancer. The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association began marketing “cosmetic talc” in 1976 to get around the potential legal implications. In doing so, it created the impression that cosmetic talc differed significantly from industrial talc. It also published guidelines stating that all commercially available talcum powder products should be asbestos-free, reassuring consumers that their products contained asbestos-free talc.
However, many companies mined cosmetic talc from the same sources. For example, Johnson & Johnson mined the mineral from a source containing up to 20% asbestos-contaminated talc until 2003.
While the number of products containing talc with asbestos has fallen since the 1970s, the carcinogen was discovered in Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder as recently as 2019. Following testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the manufacturer recalled its products when chrysotile asbestos fibers were found in test samples. Johnson & Johnson stopped selling its baby powder worldwide in 2023, replacing it with a new formula based on cornstarch.
The FDA’s 2022 tests for asbestos fibers in talc-based products didn’t detect asbestos in any of its samples. It could be worth keeping an eye on the FDA’s results in the future to check the safety of your talc-based cosmetics.
What Symptoms Have Product Users Reported?
In most lawsuits brought against talcum powder manufacturers, plaintiffs claimed the application of talcum powder contributed to them developing ovarian cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, ovarian cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms in the early stages. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
- Abdominal swelling
- Bloating
- Pain or discomfort around the back and pelvis
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
- Feeling full quickly during meals
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
However, other health risks are associated with using talcum powder. Inhaling talc dust can lead to talcum powder poisoning, which is more common in babies and young children. Talcum powder poisoning causes a broad range of symptoms, including coughing, breathing difficulties, and chest pain. Mount Sinai Hospital recommends seeking emergency care if you suspect you or someone you know has talcum powder poisoning.
What Types of Cancer Have Been Linked to Talcum Powder?
The connection between talcum powder and cancer is still being researched. Exposure to asbestos can cause a rare type of lung cancer called mesothelioma. While it’s thought that talcum powder contaminated with asbestos may cause ovarian cancer, the link is less clear.
Lung Cancer
It’s well established that inhaling asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer. Some evidence indicates exposure to talc may increase the risk of lung cancer in talc miners. Consequently, a 2017 study discovered that talc miners have an increased chance of developing lung cancer whether or not the talc contains asbestos.
However, exposure to other substances commonly found in mines, such as elemental carbon, may also increase a person’s cancer risk. Therefore, it’s unclear if the effects of talc are solely responsible for lung cancer deaths in miners.
A 2022 review concluded that cosmetic talcum powder is unlikely to cause lung cancer or mesothelioma. However, it cautions that using talc with asbestos may increase your risk of asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer.
Ovarian Cancer
Whether using talcum powder increases your ovarian cancer risk is subject to debate. Researchers think that applying talcum powder to the genitals or feminine hygiene products may expose the ovaries to the substance via the vagina and uterus.
A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis studying the link between genital talc and ovarian cancer concluded that using talcum powder on the perineum could increase your risk of ovarian cancer by 31-65%. The cases involved in the study only included people who used talcum powder on their genitals at least twice per week.
Other Cancers
Whether using talcum powder increases a person’s risk of developing other cancers is unclear. A 2011 study concluded that regular talcum powder use may increase the chances of developing endometrial cancer, especially for women who have been through menopause. The results of the study indicated that post-menopausal women who use talcum powder on their genitals more than once per week have a 24% higher risk of getting endometrial cancer than those who don’t use talcum powder.
What Action Should You Take If You’ve Been Diagnosed?
If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma and believe using talcum powder contributed to your illness, you may be able to sue the manufacturer or distributor for your losses. For example, you could file a lawsuit to claim compensation for medical expenses or lost earnings. Plaintiffs have successfully sued multiple talcum powder companies, including:
- Johnson & Johnson
- Imerys Talc North America
- Colgate-Palmolive
- Whittaker, Clark & Daniels
Generally, you can only file a talcum powder lawsuit if you used cosmetic talcum powder regularly over an extended period. Your case could be successful if you received an ovarian cancer or mesothelioma diagnosis in 2000 or later, aged between 22 and 65. Having a precise diagnosis and gathering as much information as possible about the link between your illness and talcum powder use is crucial for succeeding in court.
Talcum Powder and Cancer: Filing an Individual Lawsuit
A lawyer with experience litigating product liability cases can help you gather the information you need to build a case and bring a talcum powder cancer lawsuit. Consult a lawyer as soon as possible after diagnosis because the statute of limitations restricts how long you have to file your case.
Statutes of limitations for product liability lawsuits vary between states. Most states require you to take legal action within 2 to 10 years. The event triggering the start of the timeline also varies. For example, some states base the length of time you have to file a lawsuit on the date of your diagnosis, while others base the time frame on the date you purchased the products. The Tort Defenders team can help you determine whether you have an eligible case and work to secure fair compensation for your losses.
Talcum Powder Class Action Lawsuits
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit. Talcum powder class action lawsuits allow many plaintiffs to sue a manufacturer or distributor as a group. However, joining a class action lawsuit isn’t always the best option because they generally aim to secure refunds for the cost of the products.
Joining a mass tort is another alternative to filing an individual talcum powder lawsuit. Mass torts are a type of multi-district litigation involving bringing multiple cases before the same court and judge. Generally, mass torts happen when numerous plaintiffs suffer similar illnesses or injuries caused by the same product.
Whether joining a mass tort or class action lawsuit is right for you depends on your circumstances. Our team can help you choose the most suitable litigation pathway for your situation.