In June 2024, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) re-evaluated its findings on whether or not the mineral talc could cause cancer. In its new monograph, the IARC declared talc to be a Group 2A substance that is “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
This new classification is a major shift from the IARC’s previous findings about talc. In 2006, the IARC classified talc as a Group 2B substance that is only “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
Understanding the IARC’s Classification System
The IARC separates each classified substance into four groups, which are ordered depending on the level of certainty that they could cause humans to develop cancer.
Group 1
"Carcinogenic to humans."
Group 2A
"Probably carcinogenic to humans."
Group 2B
"Possibly carcinogenic to humans."
Group 3
"Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans."
The IARC changing talc’s classification from Group 2B to Group 2A— the second highest category for carcinogenic substances— suggests that talc is likely more dangerous to human health than earlier research may have indicated. According to the IARC’s recent press release, the IARC re-evaluated talc as a Group 2A substance for these reasons:
- There was limited evidence that talc could cause ovarian cancer in humans.
- There is strong evidence that talc displays key characteristics of a carcinogen in the human body.
- There is sufficient evidence that talc causes cancer in lab rats and other experimental animals.
However, as shown in a Reuters special investigation, prosecutors uncovered damning internal documents from Johnson & Johnson in 2018. In 1973, J&J’s former research director warned the company that it was impossible to produce talcum powder that was 100% free from asbestos. Given that the IARC considers talcum powder contaminated with asbestos to be a known carcinogen, this testimony is ominous for women who have a history of using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products.
What does this change mean for the talcum powder lawsuit?
Johnson & Johnson could soon be found liable for billions of dollars in settlements. If you or an immediate family member used J&J’s baby powder and developed ovarian cancer in 2014 or later, now’s the time to see if you qualify to join the talcum powder lawsuit.