More than 1,300 Victorians have joined one. Class action against Johnson & Johnson Alleging that its talcum powder products left her with ovarian cancer, mesothelioma (a cancer affecting the lungs) and other cancers affecting the reproductive organs.
It follows cases in Great Britain and the United States, including a distinguished case in California. In December 2025, Johnson & Johnson was Forced to pay Two women settled for US$40 million after a jury found that its baby powder was dangerous and that it didn’t warn consumers.
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that’s mined in lots of parts of the world. People may come into contact with it during mining and processing, in industrial applications, and more commonly, through its use in cosmetics and body powders.
People use talc on their limbs to soak up moisture, reduce friction, mask odors, or reduce skin blemishes. Talc enhances the opacity of face powders and cosmetics, leaving skin feeling smooth and soft.
So how is it linked to cancer? And what does the scientific evidence say?
Contamination with asbestos
Since the Nineteen Seventies, questions have arisen as as to whether talc could also be contaminated with asbestos. Asbestos is a cancer-causing agent that may affect the lungs if inhaled.
Talc and asbestos are minerals which are often present in close proximity to one another in the bottom, so talc is prone to be contaminated with asbestos in the course of the mining process.
Since 1970, manufacturers have tried Manufacture of asbestos-free pure talcum powder. However, it’s unclear how routinely Samples are tested. and the extent of pollution over the past 50 years.
In 2023, Johnson & Johnson Stopped selling talc In its products worldwide, including in Australia, switching to a as a substitute Cornflour base. Other manufacturers still sell talcum powder and it remains to be utilized in cosmetics in addition to industrially.
What does science say in regards to the cancer link?
Two cancers are possibly linked to talc use:
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Lung cancer, as a consequence of the power to inhale talc particles, can occur with certain sorts of work
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Ovarian cancer, as a consequence of regular use of talcum powder within the genital area.
something Human studies There are products containing powder Associated with high rates of ovarian cancer. Other studies have found that No link.
Studies that examined using talc on the genital area. No evidence found to suggest a link between talc and The uterus or Cervical cancer.
But there are several challenges to beat when studying the link between talcum powder and cancer. After a few years it could be difficult to recollect details in regards to the use of talc (brand, amount, etc.). Some individuals who had cancer could have died before being identified and studied, so they may not be included.
However, when the researchers examined how often participants used talcum powder and compared those that didn’t use it as often, they found Increased risk found Among ovarian cancer Most users.
So what does all of it mean?
When multiple studies have different results, the outcomes might be summarized together to reply the research query. So what does all of the currently available evidence say in regards to the link between talc use and ovarian cancer?
This summary study It concludes that the danger for some sorts of ovarian cancer appears to be weak, meaning it’s related to a small increase in risk, but the explanations for this are unclear.
Evidence suggests that talc doesn’t increase the danger of other diseases akin to cancer The uterus And Cervical.
Asbestos-contaminated talc is clearly linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. However, the cosmetic use of talc The risk does not appear to be increased Users don’t inhale it due to lung cancer.
In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) Updated your advice. To say that talc is “probably carcinogenic” implies that it causes cancer in humans. This is the second highest risk level for cancer, behind the herbicide glyphosate (Roundup) and beef.
If you utilize talcum powder and are concerned about an increased risk of cancer, it’s endorsed. Stop using it or limit the amount.. As with all life decisions, consider the balance between the potential harms and advantages, especially if you will have used talc for a very long time and need to cut back your risk of developing cancer.