Last week $417 million was awarded to Eva Echeverria by a jury in California in a case against Johnson & Johnson for failing to disclose the increased risk of ovarian cancer associated with the use of talcum baby powder. Echeverria had used Johnson & Johnson's baby powder product for several decades with no idea it had any risk to cause cancer. Escheverria is terminally ill with ovarian cancer and was too sick to even testify in court. This continues to be a legal debate for J&J losing several lawsuits totaling $724 million over the use of its talcum powder products and increased ovarian cancer risk. Several thousand more lawsuits are pending against the company suggesting several more payouts are to come.

Women have been using Johnson & Johnson's baby powder for several decades for feminine hygiene. As someone of Caribbean descent I know that baby powder has been a staple of the culture. In the 1980s J&J's marketing slogan read, "A sprinkle a day keeps the odor away." Presently the debate revolves around whether women who used talcum powder regular in the genital area have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

The issue lies with the use of talcum as a main ingredient of baby powder. Talcum has been associated with ovarian cancer dating back to the 1970s when OB/GYNs found talc particles in the tumors of ovarian cancer patients. Since then, several studies have drawn a link between increased ovarian cancer risk and talcum powder. The main issue lies with the refusal of the medical community to confirm the role of Talcum powder causing ovarian cancer.

Several studies have drawn the conclusion that no significant increased risk of ovarian cancer exists in women that use talcum powder. This has lead to a scientific quandary regarding the fact that most studies that investigate the association of ovarian cancer risk and baby powder are epidemiological studies that rely on an association factor and thus can not accurately portray a cause and effect relationship. Frequently the accuracy of study participants’ memories can be inaccurate in hindsight. And skew the data. Furthermore, lab studies have been inconclusive in validating a cause and effect link.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies talc that contains asbestos as “carcinogenic to humans.” Although they have failed to classify talc-free powder as a carcinogen they do suggest that it may be possess cancer-promoting properties.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) states “the weight of evidence does not support an association between perineal talc exposure and an increased risk of ovarian cancer.”

Studies linking Talcum powder with ovarian caner date back to the early 1970s. In the 1980s a Harvard researcher Daniel Cramer supported a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. He even advised J&J to put a warning on their product. This information has been used against J&J in the lawsuits that imply libel.

The raw mineral form of talcum contains asbestos, a known carcinogen linked to causing cancer, more specifically lung cancer. Talcum products used in the home have had asbestos removed since the 1970s. Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral consisting of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. Its ability to absorb moisture has made it a staple in beauty products that keep skin dry and prevent rashes. It is also the main constituent of several cosmetic products. However much of the debate has revolved around the safety of asbestos free talcum powder. Although studies are inconclusive the main hypothesis suggest that talcum powder placed around the genital region in women leads to increased inflammation thus promoting an environment conducuve to ovarian cancer. In the end the question lies around the safety of this product.

The FDA has refused to validate baby powder as a carcinogen. However, several different juries have found the data compelling enough to hold J&J liable for the induction of ovarian cancer in several women. This alone does not validate the scientific merit of baby powder causing ovarian cancer. At present it is unclear whether talcum powder has been associated with any other types of cancer formation. However if it is a carcinogen then there is a significant chance that it might be.

As of now, the verdict is out on whether or not baby powder actually does cause cancer. However juries have seen enough information to suggest that the information that does exist suggest J&J could have done more to warn consumers.

At this point the question remains why would anyone use this product with the continued controversy surrounding the health aspects of this product.

For the record no association has been made with baby powder causing cancer in any infants or small children. However, many pediatricians discourage the use of such powders on babies because they may cause breathing problems.