Talcum Powder

In 2016, when people began coming forward to report their cancer was caused by talcum powder, Duncan Stubbs was there. Since then, we’ve fought toe-to-toe with Johnson & Johnson (J&J), whose talc-based baby powder products have been linked to multiple types of cancer, on behalf of over 10,000 clients.

Despite the staggering number of victims who have told their story, many people are still unaware of this controversy. Even worse, some are still unaware they could have been affected.

With that in mind, we have provided a comprehensive overview of talcum powder, its uses, risks, links to cancer, and the ensuing waves of lawsuits as victims fight against corporate negligence. By empowering the public with knowledge of this crisis, we can help ensure it never happens again.

What Are the Risks of Talc Powder?

Long-term use of talc-based cosmetic products like baby powder and shower powder for feminine hygiene purposes has shown a potential increase in the risk of ovarian cancer. Additionally, inhalation of talc powder may lead to lung damage, lung cancer, or mesothelioma.

Other Names for Talc Powder

Talc may be listed on product labels under different names, including talcum, cosmetic talc, or magnesium silicate.

A Brief History of Talc Powder

Talc, utilized for its moisture-absorbing properties, can be industrially produced or extracted from the earth. If mined without meticulous care, talc could potentially be contaminated with asbestos, as the two materials naturally form near each other. Asbestos is a known human carcinogen, meaning it is confirmed to cause cancer.

Before removing its talc-based products from North American shelves in 2020, J&J had been selling its baby powder since the 1800s. It was used in millions of homes by millions of families for years and, in its current cornstarch-based form, remains a household staple to this day.

Talc Powder’s Link to Cancer

Talc-based baby powder became one of the most popular cosmetic items on the market despite the medical community raising concerns about its safety as early as the 1970s. Over the years, researchers concluded that the prolonged use of asbestos-contaminated talc powder is associated with an increased risk of ovarian, lung, and mesothelioma cancer.

The majority of talc powder lawsuit cases focus on ovarian cancer, with victims alleging J&J failed to disclose the potential presence of asbestos in baby powder and instead chose to claim the product was safe to use. Some studies appear to contradict J&J’s claims.

• A 2020 study by the Ovarian Cancer Cohort Consortium concluded the “use of talcum powder on genitals is associated with a 24% increased risk of ovarian cancer.”
• A 2017 study by the Tisch Cancer Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital reported that there is a “statistically significant association between genital use of talc and ovarian cancer.”
• In 2016, the Cramer Study published findings that stated “women who used talcum powder on their genitals and sanitary pads on a regular basis were at more than three times the risk” of developing ovarian cancer.”
• Another 2016 study of Black women in the U.S. found that those “who use talcum powder in their groin area have a 44% increased risk for ovarian cancer.”
• In 2013, the Cancer Prevention Research Study stated there is “an increased risk of ovarian cancer between 20 and 30 percent for women who used talcum powder for intimate personal hygiene.”

While organizations such as the FDA continue to research the relationship between talc-based bath products and cancer, stopping short of declaring it dangerous, J&J and other manufacturers continue to insist there is no cause for concern.

And yet, they face over 40,000 talc powder cancer lawsuits from innocent people whose lives have been changed forever by a product they were told was safe to use.

Is Talc Still in Baby Powder?

In 2018, a bombshell report revealed that, as far back as the 1970s, J&J concealed multiple reports from the FDA and the public that confirmed the presence of asbestos in their baby powder product. They continued to sell talc-based baby powder until it was discontinued in the U.S. in 2020. They removed it from shelves globally in 2023.

Are There Alternatives to Talc Powder?

Alternatives to talc include talc-free baby powders, cornstarch, arrowroot powders, oat flour, baking soda, and zinc-based diaper rash creams.

Safe Use of Talc Powder

While talc has been replaced in some products, it can be found in many others, including soaps, gums, toothpaste, and deodorants. While the FDA and other organizations continue to study the potential dangers of talc-based products, carefully read product labels, follow directions for safe use, and take any warnings you see seriously.