No Question That Talc is Toxic, Toxicologist Says
On June 12, 2017, Toxicology Expert Laura M. Plunkett clarified that talc is a toxic element to human bodies, and explained in detail how it leads to cancer. She did so during the sixth trial in St. Louis exploring the link between ovarian cancer and Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder-based personal products, including their Baby Powder and Shower to Shower Absorbent Body Powder®.
The Talc Litigation Group represents the families of three deceased former Johnson & Johnson talcum powder product-users in this trial, which is presided over by St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Rex Burlison. Shawn Blaes died of ovarian cancer at 50, Angela Dawn Hershman at 46 and Eron Evans at 41. Their claims were consolidated due to similarities between their personal and medical histories. Each of these three victims used Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products for personal hygiene for decades. When talc is used in this manner, it can lead to the cultivation of ovarian cancer and as Plunkett explained, is very toxic.
“I don’t think there’s any question talc is toxic. And I’m going to talk about the evidence today, I don’t feel there’s any question about this at all, it’s taught in textbooks,” stated Plunkett, who is a pharmacology and toxicology expert and former pharmaceutical industry consultant.
She went on to elucidate talc’s epigenetic effects, through which talc molecules alter how human cells express their genes and interfere with cell functioning. “So, the effects of these genes no longer control the cell growth properly, or it grows too much, that’s that cancer response,” she continued. Plunkett also offered descriptions of how talc causes tissue inflammation, which is linked to a variety of illnesses including cancer, arthritis and cardiovascular disease, among others.
Johnson & Johnson Targeted Minorities With Greater Cancer Risk
During the opening statements for this trial, Allen R. Smith Jr. of the Talc Litigation Group explained that Johnson & Johnson targeted minority communities including African-American women, when it wanted to boost sales, citing internal company documents. African-American women are at a higher cancer risk from using talc on their genital areas. With these actions, Smith stated Johnson & Johnson valued and prioritized its corporate image and profits “over the life of their customers,” Law360 reported (law360.com). He also conveyed the company should have put a warning label on its talc products, rather than working and “plotting” to influence regulators such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
In four of the five completed related trials, combined plaintiffs verdicts totaled over $300 million. The Miller Firm is presently accepting clients who developed ovarian cancer after the use of Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder. If this happened to you, please visit the Talcum Powder Lawsuit Page, where you can learn more and request a free consultation. Or, please call the Miller Firm at 1-800-882-2525.