Johnson & Johnson argues that Johnson’s Baby Powder is completely safe and they are planning to appeal the verdict. “Ovarian cancer is a devastating diagnosis and we deeply sympathize with the women and families impacted by this disease,” said Carol Goodrich, a spokeswoman for Johnson & Johnson in a statement. “We will appeal today’s verdict because we are guided by the science, which supports the safety of Johnson’s Baby Powder.”
They argue that even though there are studies that link genital talc use to ovarian cancer, the research findings have not been consistent. Scientists believe that talc might lead to cancer because the crystals can move up the genitourinary tract into the peritoneal cavity, where the ovaries are and may create inflammation, which plays an important role in the development of cancer.
In 2006, The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified talcum powder as a possible human carcinogen if used in the female genital area, but no federal agencies have stepped in to remove talcum powder from the market or even add warnings.
