Talcum Powder

Talc is a mineral that’s been widely used in cosmetic products, including talcum powder manufactured by Johnson & Johnson.

Unfortunately, talc has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer, with data dating back as far as 1967 suggesting that genitial use of baby powder containing talc could be dangerous.

Talcum powder users who developed ovarian cancer are now pursuing legal action against Johnson & Johnson and other manufacturers with the goal of recovering compensation for the harm this product has caused. 

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What is Talcum Powder? 

Talcum powder is made from a mineral called talc, which has strong moisture absorption properties and which reduces friction. The mineral largely consists of magnesium, oxygen, and silicon and is widely used in cosmetic products, including baby powder. 

Unfortunately, sometimes talc also contains asbestos, which is a known carcinogen. 

Concerns about the asbestos in talc have resulted in FDA warnings urging consumers to stop using certain cosmetic products such as Johnson’s Baby Powder, as well as the FDA proposing rules requiring stronger testing of talc products to detect this dangerous substance.

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Potential Health Risks of Talcum Powder

The health risks of talcum powder have been well documented for decades. 

• As early as the 1960s, researchers raised concern about the link between ovarian cancer and asbestos.
• A 1982 study specifically linked genitial talc use to an increased risk of ovarian cancer for the first time. 
• In 2006, The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC),classified talc as probably carcinogenic to humans. It retains this classification to this day. Talc received the Group 2A classification, which is the second highest level of certainty that a substance can cause cancer.
• Numerous additional studies throughout the years confirmed the dangers of talc exposure, including a 2013 meta-analysis of past studies that revealed as much as a 20% to 30% increased risk of ovarian cancer with prolonged talc use – including the development of serous, endometrioid, and clear cell tumors. 
• A 2017 study found users of genital powder had a 40% greater risk of developing cancer, compared with an increased risk of more than 30% among women who used only non-genital talc. 
• Specific lots of Johnson’s baby powder were voluntarily recalled in 2019 after a sample from the powder tested positive for asbestos. The FDA warned consumers not to use the product at the time.⁴ 
• Johnson & Johnson discontinued the sale of all talcum powder products in both the U.S. and Canada in 2020. J&J did not admit guilt, but said it was removing the product from the shelves to limit litigation risk in light of “misinformation.” 

In addition to the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, research has also suggested talc miners and millers may face an increased lung cancer risk; that genital use of talcum powder could increase endometrial cancer; and that stomach cancer and pleural mesothelioma may also be a risk of inhaled talc exposure in the workplace.²

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Why Are Talcum Powder Lawsuits Being Filed? 

Tens of thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Johsnon & Johnson so victims can try to recover compensation from the manufacturer. Plaintiffs typically bring cases under product liability laws when an item is sold that causes them harm, with the goal of collecting payment for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. 

Under product liability laws, manufacturers can be held accountable based on a variety of legal theories, including:

• Strict liability rules that make companies responsible for releasing a defective product that causes unexpected harm when used as intended
• Failure to provide adequate warning of the dangers of a product that causes harm.

Plaintiffs wish to hold Johnson & Johnson accountable for the company’s refusal to disclose the risks of talcum powder, especially as internal documents show J&J was aware for decades that its product was sometimes tainted with carcinogenic asbestos and hid the risk from both regulators and consumers. 

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History of Talcum Powder Lawsuits and Recent Case Updates

The first lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson for talcum powder was brought in 2009 by a 49-year-old South Dakota woman diagnosed with cancer three years prior. While she was offered a $1.3 million settlement, she declined and went to court, winning her case but ultimately receiving no compensation.

Many more claims followed and, in 2016, a multi-district litigation was formed in New Jersey.  

A 2017 class action lawsuit including 22 plaintiffs was also brought in Missouri against Johnson & Johnson, resulting in a record-setting $4.69 billion verdict in 2018 

The number of cases in the MDL continued growing and in 2021, Johnson & Johnson created a subsidiary, LTL Management, which had limited assets. J&J attempted to move the baby powder claims into the subsidiary before LTL declared bankruptcy a day later. 

Johnson & Johnson announced at the time that it would provide funds for any amount the bankruptcy court determined it owed related to the talcum powder litigation, and that it hoped the bankruptcy filing could resolve pending claims in an equitable manner.¹⁶

This effort failed, although Johnson & Johnson tried this technique several more times, including in 2025 when J&J tried to resolve tens of thousands of pending claims with a proposed $9 billion settlement through bankruptcy proceedings before the court once again rejected its attempts.¹⁶

Johnson & Johnson has now indicated it will not continue with any further appeals on the bankruptcy case, but instead “will return to the tort system to litigate and defeat these meritless talc claims.”¹⁶

The MDL J&J will be defending against is now the largest active multidistrict litigation in the country, and both sides are working through trial preparations while awaiting bellwether trials or test cases aimed at determining how the court will view claims in order to guide settlement talks. 

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Can You Still File a Talcum Powder Lawsuit? 

You can still file a talcum powder lawsuit. Litigation is ongoing and attorneys nationwide are still accepting talcum powder cases to fight for the rights of those who developed ovarian cancer after extended talcum powder use.

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How To File a Lawsuit Based On Talcum Powder

You will need an experienced attorney to help you determine if you are eligible for a talcum powder claim and to help you pursue your case. We work with trusted law firms nationwide who help clients harmed by talcum powder and we can help match you with the right lawyer to assist you in your pursuit of justice. 

You have a limited time to file your claim, so it’s important to act quickly if you believe you have a case against Johnson & Johnson. Contact us today to get help finding an attorney offering a free consultation on your claim who can help you understand your rights.