Talcum Powder Injuries

Talcum powder is a silica based product. It is typically magnesium silicate, and it is used in a wide variety of consumer products. It has water-absorbing properties and has been associated with increased rates of ovarian cancer. In some women, the ovarian tissue and the tumors in those ovaries actually contain silica bodies that have come from talcum powder use. Anyone who believes that they have suffered an injury due to the use of talcum powder, should consider consulting a talcum power lawyer about bringing a claim.

Commonly Associated Injuries

One of the injuries associated with talcum powder is ovarian cancer. There are other forms of cancer that are indicated, but the focus is on uterine and ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is caused by talc powder. When the talcum powder travels through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes, the silica bodies are found lodged in the ovarian tissue that leads to inflammation, which leads to cancer.

There is some mixed science on whether there is any increased risk for the lungs associated with silica, especially from talc. Silica, on a molecular level, is similar to asbestos, but lung issues associated with talcum powder are not being pursued. There were some successful litigation in the past, but cases now are specifically looking at talcum powder that is asbestos free, and all talc powders has been asbestos free for quite some time.

Link Between Talcum Powder and Illness

A perspective client does not need to do any homework or research on their own about talcum powder, because the attorneys will do it for them. Typically, it is good to know what product they used and what their medical record supports. There are numerous types of ovarian cancer, not all of which are supported as being caused by talcum powder.

Actual tissue that has been preserved shows talc bodies in the ovarian tumors. That is strong evidence of a causal link between the talcum powder use and the cancers that people experienced. Also, epidemiology studies show statistical correlations between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer.

Studies 

Studies that look at ovarian tissue underneath cancerous ovarian tissue under a microscope have found talc bodies in the tissue. Therefore, a very strong correlation between talcum powder and ovarian cancer exists.

Also, several academic and government-sponsored studies have looked at a large population of people who have suffered from ovarian cancer and found a statistical correlation between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer. Most studies show at least a 30% increase in the risk of developing ovarian cancer when using talcum powder, and it goes up to as high as 60%, doubling the risk. More studies are being conducted right now.

These studies showing the link go back as far as 1982. There are some studies from the seventies, as well, but 1982 is when the strong signals began to appear in literature and articles in the New York Times. Since the eighties, studies have shown that talcum powder use is connected with ovarian cancer.

Damages 

People who have been injured by the use of talcum powder are entitled to compensation for anguish and suffering. People who have lost their spouse to ovarian cancer that was caused by talcum powder can claim for loss of support and loss of consortium.

Manufacture Awareness of Issues

Talcum powder companies have known for decades that talcum powder is associated with ovarian cancer. The real tragedy is that talcum powder companies know that talcum powder is primarily going into cosmetic products. Since cosmetic products are not regulated by the FDA, they do not have to put warnings on their product. Because the federal government is not looking over their shoulder and requiring them to do so, they made the decision not to warn people about these risks.