Deborah Giannecchini of Modesto, California, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012.<\/p>\n
She accused talc makers Johnson & Johnson\u00a0of “negligent conduct” in making and marketing the product.<\/p>\n
The woman’s lawyer Jim Onder said: “We are pleased the jury did the right thing.<\/p>\n
“They once again reaffirmed the need for Johnson & Johnson to warn the public of the ovarian cancer risk associated with its product.”<\/p>\n
The case is the latest which has raised concerns about the health ramifications of extended use of talcum powder.<\/p>\n
Some research has found no link or a weak one between ovarian cancer and baby powder and the company has insisted it is safe.<\/p>\n
But other research has indicated that women who regularly use talc on their genital area face up to a 40%\u00a0higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.<\/p>\n
Factors known to increase the risk include age, obesity, oestrogen therapy after the menopause, not having children and family history.<\/p>\n
Talc is a soft mineral mined from deposits around the world and is crushed into a white powder.<\/p>\n
It has been widely used in cosmetics and other personal care products to absorb moisture since at least 1894, when Johnson & Johnson launched its baby powder.<\/p>\n
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies genital use of talc as “possibly carcinogenic”.<\/p>\n
After the verdict, Johnson & Johnson said 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.”<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, two other lawsuits in St. Louis ended in jury verdicts worth a combined $127m (\u00a3104m).<\/p>\n
But two others in New Jersey were thrown out by a judge who said there wasn’t reliable evidence that talc leads to ovarian cancer.<\/p>\n
About 2,000 women have filed similar law suits and lawyers are reviewing thousands of other potential cases.<\/p>\n
Johnson & Johnson has been targeted before by health and consumer groups over ingredients in its products, including Johnson’s No More Tears baby shampoo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Source: Sky News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"