Product Liability · Talcum Powder
Talcum Powder
Talc litigation — ovarian cancer and mesothelioma allegations
For decades, women used Johnson's Baby Powder and Shower to Shower for daily perineal hygiene. Lawsuits have raised ovarian-cancer allegations involving perineal talc use and separate mesothelioma allegations involving asbestos contamination; individual causation requires evidence. Talc-related bankruptcy proceedings and litigation have involved multiple entities and court decisions; current procedural status and any effect on an individual claim require review of relevant orders.
Background
What this litigation is about.
Plaintiffs allege that Johnson & Johnson knew for decades that its cosmetic talc could contain asbestos and that regular perineal use was associated with increased ovarian cancer risk — and failed to warn consumers. J&J denies these allegations.
J&J discontinued talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder in the U.S. in 2020 and worldwide in 2023, switching to a cornstarch formulation. Tens of thousands of talc claims accumulated in federal MDL 2738 (New Jersey) and in state courts, particularly in Missouri and New Jersey — including large jury verdicts, some later reduced or reversed on appeal.
Talc-related bankruptcy proceedings and litigation have involved multiple entities and court decisions. Consult the relevant orders for procedural history and any effect on an individual claim.
Reported injuries
Reported concerns and potential losses.
Ovarian cancer
Epithelial ovarian cancer following years of perineal talc use.
Mesothelioma
A rare cancer of the lung lining tied to asbestos-contaminated talc.
Fallopian tube cancer
Primary peritoneal or fallopian tube cancers grouped with ovarian claims.
Wrongful death
Claims brought by families after a loved one died from a talc-linked cancer.
Individual review
Facts that may be relevant.
You used Johnson's Baby Powder, Shower to Shower, or a similar talc-based body powder regularly for years (record approximate duration, frequency and use).
You were later diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, primary peritoneal cancer, or mesothelioma.
You have pathology records confirming the diagnosis.
A loved one died from one of these cancers after long-term talc use.
Build a product-use history without guessing
Ovarian cancer allegations and asbestos-related mesothelioma allegations raise different exposure and medical questions. A history of powder use does not by itself establish the cause of a cancer.
- Distinguish talc-based products from cornstarch formulations where labels or photographs are available.
- List brands, approximate years, frequency, application method, and places of purchase; mark uncertain details as estimates.
- Keep pathology reports and information about other potential asbestos exposures.
- Save existing containers safely without opening or disturbing powder.
Key events
A timeline of what has happened so far.
1970s–2000s
Internal J&J documents (later disclosed in litigation) discuss talc testing and trace asbestos concerns.
2016–2018
Multiple large jury verdicts in Missouri state court; a $4.69B verdict for 22 plaintiffs (later reduced on appeal).
2016
JPML consolidates federal talc/ovarian cancer cases as MDL 2738 in the District of New Jersey.
2020
J&J discontinues talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder in the United States and Canada.
Oct 2021
J&J spins off LTL Management and files its first Chapter 11 bankruptcy to channel talc claims — dismissed in 2023.
2023–2024
Second bankruptcy (LTL) filed and dismissed. J&J subsequently proposes a third attempt through Red River Talc.
Early 2025
Third bankruptcy (Red River Talc) dismissed; litigation and negotiated resolution efforts continue outside bankruptcy.
Frequently asked
Questions answered plainly.
This page is for general information only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Case statuses, MDL orders, and settlement terms change; call our office for a current review of your specific situation.
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