On Monday, September 9, the trial over claims that Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) talc-based baby powder that caused ovarian cancer to a woman is set to begin in Atlanta. In the first case of its kind, Georgia jurors will have a chance to find a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer.
A trial before Judge Jane Morrison involves the lawsuit filed by an Atlanta resident who died of ovarian cancer in 2016 at the age of 65. The woman filed a lawsuit against J&J shortly before her death. Her adopted minor granddaughter is the named plaintiff in this case.
Georgia jury will see evidence on how the use of talcum powder products for feminine hygiene can result in ovarian cancer. The trial is expected to continue for two weeks. As of February 2016, in seven different trials in Missouri and California juries have awarded more than $5.3 billion in damages against J&J.
From decades, studies have examined the link between genital talc use and ovarian cancer. The research shows that talc particles can migrate into the ovaries, causing inflammation and leading to the growth of malignant cells resulting in ovarian cancer.
Talcum powder allegations include that the company knew about the risks of using talcum powder for decades and failed to warn the public of the potential risk of ovarian cancer in women despite numerous scientific studies suggesting talc as a cancer-causing mineral. Rather, they chose to market the talcum powder products to women and children for hygienic use despite being aware of the risks desiring profits before consumer safety. Lawsuits also claim J&J hid the fact that talcum powder contains asbestos.
Talc defendants currently face nearly 14,000 Talcum Powder and Shower-to-Shower lawsuits, consolidated under multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2738; In Re: Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation), in the District of New Jersey. The MDL is presided by Hon. Freda L. Wolfson, U.S.D.J., and Hon. Lois H. Goodman, U.S.M.J.
