Baby Powder and Mesothelioma: Talcum Powder Risk

May 29, 2020 | By Riddle & Brantley Accident Injury Lawyers
Baby Powder and Mesothelioma: Talcum Powder Risk Does baby powder cause mesothelioma cancer? Potential victim, doctors, and baby powder cancer lawyers are considering baby powder-related mesothelioma risks following alarming reports that Johnson & Johnson baby powder is contaminated with asbestos.

IMPORTANT: As of August 2023, we can no longer accept claims involving mesothelioma potentially linked to talcum powder, only those involving ovarian cancer or endometrial ovarian cases, due to developments in this litigation. 

In this blog post, we’ll break down exactly what you need to know about the potential connection between mesothelioma and baby powder. Remember, if you believe you have symptoms of mesothelioma, call your doctor immediately.

Talcum Powder, Asbestos and Mesothelioma: What’s the Risk?

Johnson & Johnson baby powder tested positive for potentially mesothelioma cancer-causing asbestos, according to the FDA, in 2019. Not only that, but Johnson & Johnson allegedly knew about potential talc-based baby powder asbestos contamination as far back as the 1970s. Baby Powder Mesothelioma Risk - Talcum Powder WarningAccording to a report by the New York Times, Johnson & Johnson executives shared concerns in internal memos that the company’s talc source (baby powder is made with talc-based talcum powder) was potentially contaminated with material that “might be classified as asbestos.” Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that appears in long, thin strands. These strands can break down into small, microscopic crystals that when inhaled can seriously damage the lungs and cause mesothelioma cancer.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly cancer that most frequently affects the lungs. Mesothelioma cancer can also be found in the stomach, heart, and other organs. There are two types of mesothelioma:
  • Pleural mesothelioma — affects the lungs
  • Peritoneal mesothelioma — affects the area(s) around the abdomen, heart, and/or testicles
Mesothelioma, such as may be caused by asbestos-contaminated baby powder, is extremely aggressive and deadly. There is no cure, though treatment can help. Life expectancy for those with mesothelioma is typically less than two years. Less than 20,000 cases of mesothelioma are reported in the United States each year, according the Mayo Clinic.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Because the disease may be located in different areas, mesothelioma symptoms can vary widely. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of mesothelioma may include:
  • Chest pain
  • Trouble breathing and shortness of breath
  • Painful coughing
  • Lumps of tissue under the skin on the chest
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Abdominal pain and/or swelling
  • Nausea
IMPORTANT: This may not be a comprehensive list of mesothelioma symptoms. For more information, please visit the Mayo Clinic online. If you believe you have symptoms of mesothelioma, please contact your doctor immediately.

Asbestos and Mesothelioma

A vast amount of research confirms the link between asbestos (such as was discovered in baby powder) and mesothelioma cancer. For more information on research connecting asbestos exposure and cancer, including mesothelioma (such as may be caused by Johnson & Johnson baby powder), please visit the American Cancer Society asbestos and cancer risk page.

So, does baby powder cause mesothelioma?

Here are the facts:
  • Johnson & Johnson baby powder tested positive for asbestos
  • Asbestos can cause mesothelioma and other forms of cancer
Mesothelioma Cancer Risk from Baby Powder - Talcum Powder Lawyers Thousands of women diagnosed with mesothelioma and ovarian cancer have filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson alleging that the company knew its baby powder may be contaminated with cancer-causing asbestos, and did nothing. In May 2020, Johnson & Johnson announced that it would no longer sell its Baby Powder product in North America. The company has maintained it did nothing wrong, and stands by the claims that its talc-based products are safe. Earlier in 2020, a federal judge ruled that scientific experts may testify that Johnson & Johnson baby powder may cause cancer.

IMPORTANT: As of August 2023, we can no longer accept claims involving mesothelioma potentially linked to talcum powder, only those involving ovarian cancer or endometrial ovarian cases, due to developments in this litigation. 

Do you have a potential baby powder mesothelioma cancer lawsuit?

IMPORTANT: As of August 2023, we can no longer accept claims involving mesothelioma potentially linked to talcum powder, only those involving ovarian cancer or endometrial ovarian cases, due to developments in this litigation. 

Why Riddle & Brantley? Product Liability Lawyers Handling Baby Powder Cancer Claims - Riddle & BrantleyRiddle & Brantley attorneys have been fighting for victims of dangerous products since 1985. For more than 30 years we’ve fought tirelessly on our clients’ behalf, securing millions of dollars in compensation (see disclaimer below). Our team is led by Gene Riddle, an award-winning attorney who is recognized by Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and Super Lawyers. He maintains an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and was awarded the Litigator Award in 2014 (see disclaimer below). If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or endometroid ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson talc-based baby powder, don’t wait — call 1-800-525-7111 today for a FREE consultation. You may be entitled to significant financial compensation and we would love to help you seek justice. Please call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s review your potential talcum powder case. Justice Counts for victims of dangerous products. Call us today and let’s see how we can help.  
*** Disclaimer: The results mentioned are intended to illustrate the type of cases handled by the firm. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and they should not be construed to constitute a promise or guarantee of a particular result in any particular case. Every case is different, and the outcome of any case depends upon a variety of factors unique to that case. *** Disclaimer: An attorney must meet certain requirements to join these organizations or receive these awards. For more information on Membership Criteria for Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, and the Litigator Award, please visit our Membership Criteria page. These awards and memberships should not be construed as a promise or guarantee of a similar result. Each case is different and must be evaluated separately.
Facing more than 20,000 lawsuits alleging that its talc-based products cause cancer, Johnson & Johnson has announced that it will stop selling baby powder in North America. Our attorneys are actively inv...