Group Action Lawyers
Latest News & Updates

Category: Cosmetics

talcum powder ovarian cancer link
October 25, 2017
Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay out over £300 million for “carcinogenic” talcum powder

Global healthcare company Johnson & Johnson have been ordered to pay around £319 million in damages to a woman after she developed ovarian cancer allegedly from using their talcum baby powder.

The jury came to the conclusion that the company failed to warn consumers of the alleged risks associated with ‘perennial talc exposure’ – specifically the apparent heightened risk of developing ovarian cancer.

The lawsuit cited the International Agency for Research on Cancer classification of talcum powder as a possible carcinogenic substance in 2006.
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October 09, 2017
Consumers encouraged to take caution over cosmetics and toiletries

Cosmetic procedures and products are often assumed to be safe for use, but authorities are warning consumers to be aware of the potential dangers and risks that can be associated with them.

Whilst manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products comply with relevant legislation, it doesn’t mean they always do; nor does it mean every product is safe for use by every individual.

On top of that, some people may not be aware of the risks because they fail to research products more thoroughly. Complacency is a common pitfall when people fall victim to cosmetic product problems…
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nail care products
October 02, 2017
Regulators issue reminder warnings for nail care products

Regulators are reminding the public to be cautious over nail care products as there are a number of health risks associated with their use.

Nail polishes need to be strong to resist chipping or flaking, and nail polish removers need to be even stronger to dissolve the polish. These products therefore contain a medley of chemicals that can be extremely dangerous when used for other purposes, so for those who enjoy a manicure or pedicure, or simply live with someone who possesses nail care products, take note.
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breast implant concerns
August 07, 2017
Cancer associated with breast implants used in reconstructive surgery

Insurance agent Raylene Hollrah was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. The successful businesswoman, who owns her own insurance company, made a life changing decision; she underwent chemotherapy and had her breasts removed and reconstructed.

Hollrah made the brave decision to go through painful and gruelling surgery and treatment in the hopes she would free herself from breast cancer. Unfortunately, six years later, Hollrah was diagnosed with cancer again.

Shockingly, it wasn’t a return of the breast cancer; it was a “rare malignancy of the immune system” that was reportedly caused as a result of the breast implants used in her reconstructive surgery…
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talcum powder ovarian cancer link
July 03, 2017
Johnson & Johnson pay out £85 million to woman who blamed ovarian cancer on their talcum powder

Medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturer Johnson & Johnson seem to be paying out lawsuit after lawsuit these days.

Being in the industry they’re in, you could expect a lot of claims, but the lawsuits Johnson & Johnson have faced over the past few years have been huge.

In recent news, a woman from the U.S. has been awarded £85 million after blaming her ovarian cancer on the prolonged use of Johnson & Johnson’s popular talcum powder. 62 year old Lois Slemp reportedly used the product for over 40 years every day, and she is now undergoing chemotherapy after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012, which later spread to her liver.
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talcum powder ovarian cancer link
May 26, 2017
Johnson & Johnson’s year of lawsuits

The worldwide company Johnson & Johnson has been on the end of some monumental compensation claims and group actions across the globe.

The year of 2016 was quite the whirlwind year for Johnson & Johnson; they reportedly lost 6 out of 7 jury verdicts in the U.S. as a result of ‘defective’ products. According to Bloomberg, this year isn’t looking any better.
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talcum powder ovarian cancer link
May 15, 2017
J&J allegedly knew of the risks of ovarian cancer linked to talcum powder for decades

There are approximately 1,000 lawsuits against J&J, but there’s no clear indication of whether Walgreens are included in the lawsuits as a co-defendant.

According to the claimant, Andrea Harris, Walgreens was more than a seller of the talcum powder and actively marketed the powder, tailoring it to their shoppers. Harris noted that it “maintains a joint office with J&J in Buffalo Grove, where it develops business plans for distributing and marketing J&J items, including talcum products, specifically to Walgreens’ shoppers.”
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breast implant concerns
April 28, 2017
A woman fighting a rare but deadly cancer linked to breast implants speaks out to warn others

Ms Stacey Boone had gone to the doctors multiple times and was turned away, dismissing her concerns as having just contracted the flu. It took an egg-sized lump on her collarbone and a 42 pound weight loss before the doctors finally gave her the correct diagnosis.

Ms Boone had stage 4 cancer.

The type of cancer she was diagnosed with is extremely rare. The breast implant is associated with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), which is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It is a cancer in the lymphatic system which is essentially the immune system.
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March 21, 2017
Skin creams containing paraffin have reportedly caused 37 deaths in England in the last decade

Medical manufacturers have sent out warnings to eczema skin cream users, as some users have reported that they have caused fires, and consequently 37 deaths.

The majority of skin creams contain paraffin which can soak into bedding and clothes, and therefore make them more flammable. In November 2007, the NHS webpage alerted healthcare staff involved in prescribing, dispensing or administration of paraffin-based skin products of a potential fire hazard. The page states that paraffin-based products – e.g. emulsifying ointment – are easily ignited with a naked flame or a cigarette, so users should take caution when using them.
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December 30, 2016
Amazon must provide their customers’ personal information in WEN lawsuit

In a recent lawsuit against WEN, Federal Judge James Robert has ordered Amazon to provide a list of customers who bought WEN hair-care products from them to assist in the class-action lawsuit where many consumers documented hair loss and other hair-related problems after using the product.

The WEN-lawsuit is believed to involve over 200 women from 40 different states in the U.S. and we are investigating issues here in the U.K. too. According to the lawsuit, the women claim that:

“WEN products can cause severe and possibly permanent damage to hair, including significant hair loss to the point of visible bald spots, hair breakage, scalp irritation and rash.”

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