Talcum Powder Defendants Lose Motion to Dismiss Conspiracy Claims

District Judge Ronnie L. White denied a motion to dismiss conspiracy claims against Johnson & Johnson and Imerys Talc America in a lawsuit filed by a man whose wife died of ovarian cancer, allegedly due to talcum powder use. The lawsuit claims the companies conspired to hide the dangers of talc by forming the "Talc Interested Party Task Force," releasing false safety information, and influencing regulatory bodies. The suit alleges these actions aimed to prevent consumers from learning about the potential harmful effects of talc.

Denied a motion to dismiss conspiracy claims

District Judge Denied A Motion To Dismiss Claims Against J&J Talcum Powder. United States District Judge Ronnie L. White of the Eastern District of Missouri denied a motion to dismiss conspiracy claims against Johnson & Johnson and Imerys Talc America in a lawsuit filed by the husband of a woman who died of ovarian cancer allegedly caused by the use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and Shower to Shower Body Powder.

The plaintiff in the lawsuit alleges that the defendants conspired to misrepresent and suppress the truth about the danger associated with the genital use of talcum powder by doing the following:

  • They formed the “Talc Interested Party Task Force” (TIPTF), which worked to pool resources to collectively defend talc use at all costs and to prevent regulation of any type through biased research they funded and promulgated through scientific reports;
  • They released false information about the safety of talc to the consuming public;
  • They used political and economic influence on regulatory bodies of talc.

Prevent Consumers From Learning About Harmful Effects

The plaintiff’s suit claims this was part of an effort to illegally prevent consumers from learning about the potential harmful effects of talc use.

Talcum powder is widely used because it absorbs moisture and helps reduce friction; it helps keep skin dry and prevents rashes. It is an ingredient in baby powder, adult body and facial powders. But there has been concern that women who apply talcum powder regularly to the genital area have an increased risk of ovarian cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Research has suggested that talcum powder may cause cancer if the powder particles—from powder applied directly to the genital area or used on sanitary napkins, diaphragms, or condoms—travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovaries. Talc particles that reach the ovaries may cause an inflammatory response, resulting in conditions conducive to the growth of cancer cells.

Need Legal Help Regarding Talcum Powder?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

Free Consultation
Parker Waichman LLP
Are you inquiring about a new matter?
Please Describe the Details of Your Inquiry
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
4.8 from 549 Reviews

Client Reviews

Our law firm is ready to represent you in your injury case. We’ve helped many New York residents as well as those needing help nationwide. Contact our team for a free case consultation today.

I would recommend this firm to others. They were always quick to reply to any of my concerns, especially Shelly. She would answer my emails almost immediately. Highly professional and hassle free.
Kelly Wheeler
4 years ago
They had my best interest at heart. Every step of the way they (Nicole) kept me in the loop. Phone calls were returned in a timely manner and very professional. Hopefully I will never need a law firm again but if so, it will Parker and Waichman.
Jovita Richardson
4 months ago
Excellent customer service provided by Nicole. Very strong communication, providing updates and good follow ups. Overall very good experience dealing with PW; Nicole was very professional and always had a great attitude.
Sonia Castro
11 months ago
Christina Morace was my amazing, wonderful, brilliant point of contact. She went above and beyond in helping me. Parker Waichman is very lucky to have someone as great as Chritina Morace.
Eddie Beverly
a year ago

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident or have been injured by another party in some other way, we are here to stand up for your rights. Our personal injury attorneys have been representing injury victims and their families in Long Island and throughout the nation since the early 1980s.