« Back to List

Does Baby Powder Cause Cancer?

by: Carmen S. Scott

Talc-based baby powder has been linked to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. This risk has led to legal action and lawsuits filed by those affected.

Key takeaways about baby powder and cancer

  • Talc-based baby powders have been linked to certain cancers, including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
  • Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is ongoing against Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries. Lawsuits allege that the companies failed to warn consumers about the risks of using their baby powder products.
  • In July 2024, Johnson & Johnson agreed to contribute to the proposed plan of reorganization for Imerys Talc America, Inc.’s bankruptcy.  Prior to filing for bankruptcy, Imerys was a defendant in the ongoing MDL. 

Dangers of talc in baby powder

Talc is a mineral used in many consumer products, such as cosmetics or baby powders. It is often used to absorb moisture and reduce friction.

Much of the controversy related to talc-based baby powders and body powders centers around the potential link to certain cancers. For example, medical studies have linked talc-based powders to ovarian cancer. Additional studies have suggested a link between talc-based baby powders and mesothelioma, a form of cancer connected to asbestos exposure.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified talc as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” 

Talc and cancer

As early as the 1970s, studies suggested a relationship between talcum powder use and certain types of cancer. A study conducted in 1971, found talc particles in and around ovarian tumors. Studies from the 1980s through the early 2000s found that women who used talcum powder on their genital area had a statistically higher chance of developing ovarian cancer than women who did not.

Talc has also been linked to mesothelioma, a cancer connected to asbestos exposure. Talc and asbestos are naturally occurring minerals and asbestos is often found near talc deposits. This proximity has spurred concerns about the health effects of using talc contaminated with asbestos. Consumers who use talc-based baby or cosmetic products may be at risk.

Talcum powder cancer risk leads to lawsuits

Johnson & Johnson is a manufacturer of baby powders and cosmetic products. The company has faced public reprimand and litigation related to its talc-based products. After the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that a sample of Johnson's Baby Powder tested positive for asbestos, the company finally took action. Effective in 2020, it recalled and discontinued talc-based baby powders in the United States and Canada. Johnson & Johnson discontinued global production of talc-based baby powders in 2023.

Johnson & Johnson and other manufacturers of talc-based powders are facing multiple lawsuits related to their talc-based products. Many cases have been coordinated into the ongoing multidistrict litigation (MDL). 
The MDL master complaint contains claims against all defendants for negligence, fraudulent concealment and failure to warn consumers about the health risks associated with the products. Internal documents show Johnson & Johnson knew as early as the 1980s that talc-based baby powders posed a health risk to consumers.

Who are the defendants in the baby powder lawsuits?

The parties in the talcum powder MDL are those responsible for mining, developing, marketing and distributing talc and talc-based products in the U.S. and Canada. These parties are:

  • Johnson & Johnson and related corporate entities: Johnson & Johnson and a key business subsidiary were responsible for manufacturing, marketing and distributing the talc-based products in America. Johnson & Johnson is also the primary advertiser of all products.
  • Imerys Talc: Imerys was the primary supplier and distributor of raw talc used by Johnson & Johnson in its talcum powder products. It operated under several business names and ownerships.

Baby powder lawsuit updates

In July 2024, Johnson & Johnson agreed to contribute $505 million to Imerys Talc’s bankruptcy trust. This contribution increased the funds available for claimants pursuing compensation from Imerys.

Contact a talcum powder lawyer

If you or someone you know has used talcum powder and developed cancer you may have a talcum powder claim. Please contact medical attorney Carmen Scott by email or call 1.800.768.4026 to learn more about talcum powder lawsuits.
Contact a lawyer today. 

Frequently asked questions about baby powder

Is Johnson's baby powder safe to use?

In 2022, Johnson & Johnson issued a press release stating the company was switching to a cornstarch-based product portfolio for “commercial reasons.” The company globally discontinued the talc-based baby powder in 2023.

Johnson & Johnson baby powders currently available contain cornstarch or other talc-free ingredients.

Is baby powder no longer recommended?

Baby powder is no longer recommended for use with babies, regardless of the ingredients. Since 1981, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended avoiding baby powder because of inhalation risks.

Talc consists of very fine particles that are easily inhaled. Even without the risk of cancer, these particles are hazardous if inhaled in large quantities or over a long period of time.

Talk with your pediatrician to learn more about alternative treatments for diaper rash.

Our talcum powder experience

Motley Rice has extensive experience in talcum powder litigation. We have been lead counsel in two separate trials representing plaintiffs harmed by talcum powder.

Currently, Motley Rice attorneys Daniel Lapinski and Carmen Scott are members of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) for cases alleging Johnson’s Baby Powder and other talc-based products caused ovarian cancer.

As of September 3, 2024, 57,937 cases are pending in the MDL against Johnson & Johnson and other defendants.

Read more on our talcum powder litigation experience.

Sources
  1. American Association of Pediatrics. Baby Powder—A Hazard!
  2. American Cancer Society. Talcum Powder and Cancer
  3. BJOG. Talc and Carcinoma of the Ovary and Cervix
  4. Bloomberg. J&J, Imerys to Pay More Than $1.5 Million in Talc Case Deal.
  5. Cleveland Clinic. Ovarian Cancer
  6. International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC Monographs evaluate the carcinogenicity of talc and acrylonitrile.
  7. Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health to Transition Global Baby Powder Portfolio to Cornstarch
  8. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. MDL Dockets by Actions Pending September 3, 2024
  9. Law360. J&J Agrees To Pay $505M In Talc Producers' Ch. 11.
  10. Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. Ovarian Cancer Statistics
  11. Parents. Is Baby Powder Safe?