SlideShare a Scribd company logo
Talcum Powder Cancer
www.pressreleasecircle.com/talcum-powder-cancer
Submitted by admin on Fri, 05/27/2016 - 19:13.
Talc Interested Party Task Force (TIPTF) created by Johnson & Johnson to influence the talc powder regulation.
May 27, 2016 (North Little Rock, Arkansas) In 1992, Johnson & Johnson, proud
purveyor of talcum-based baby powder, was fighting a losing public relations
battle. Baby powder had been a company staple since 1893, but studies were
beginning to show with alarming regularity that there was a positive connection
between talc and ovarian cancer. Dr. Daniel Cramer first demonstrated in 1982
that frequent and lengthy talc use increased the risk of ovarian cancer by as much
as 33%. A flurry of studies from scientists all over the world followed, and in 1992,
the National Toxicology Program (NTP) found “clear evidence of carcinogenicity
activity in female rats” exposed to talc inhalation.
(https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/lt_rpts/tr421.pdf)
In response, Johnson & Johnson and its allies created the Talc Interested Party
Task Force (TIPTF). Johnson & Johnson and its talc supplier Luzenac operated
and paid for the task force. Although its public purpose was to pool resources so
that its members could more easily combat government regulation of talc, its
actual purposes were even more sinister. As government pressure began to
mount, the TIPTF sought to prevent or delay talc’s classification as a carcinogenic
by any means necessary. One suggestion, according to a Luzenac internal memo written in 1998 after a strategy
meeting at the University of California at Irvine, was to produce a scientific study of its own using “two or three
experts from the club. HAC will give us names.” (http://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-baby-powder-cancer-
lawsuits/img/l...) Hoda Anton-Culver is the Epidemiology Chair at UC Irvine, and the plaintiffs in the recent case
against Johnson & Johnson have argued that “from the club” refers to scientists who would respond to pressure from
the TIPTF and manipulate their studies accordingly.
The pressure to fight back against regulation intensified as the world began to take studies like Cramer’s seriously.
In 2006 the International Association for the Research of Cancer, a division of the World Health Organization,
published a paper classifying the use of talc on genitalia as a Group 2B carcinogen. That same year, the Canadian
government classified talc as a “poisonous and infectious material” and a “very toxic” substance.
(http://ccinfoweb2.ccohs.ca/whmis/records/756E.html) In the United States, the National Toxicology Program voted
13-2 to list talc as a possible human carcinogen. In spite of the overwhelming vote, the TIPTF convinced the
government to defer making an official decision on talc. According to a Bloomberg.com article, the TIPTF used
confusion about the differences between the asbestos-containing talc used in the 1970s and the asbestos-free talc
used in the twenty-first century to confound the NPT. In a letter to a colleague, a Luzenac executive referred to the
victory as “dodging a bullet,” credited the asbestos confusion with staying the government’s hand, and suggested
the TIPTF “come up with more confusion” to stifle further progress. http://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-baby-
powder-cancer-lawsuits/
By the end of 2006, Luzenac was out of the denial business. Acknowledging that “the horse had already left the
barn,” Luzenac no longer financed studies commissioned to prove to the public that talc was safe.
(http://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-baby-powder-cancer-lawsuits/) Now known as Imerys Talc, the company
provides warning labels on its talc shipments that perineal use may lead to an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Accordingly, Imerys Talc was not held liable for damages when Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay out $127
million to two plaintiffs just three weeks apart. Nevertheless, as a key member of the TIPTF they played an
1/2
important and nefarious role in protecting the use of talc powder all over the world. Ostensibly created to pool
resources, the TIPTF quickly became an influential lobby which used company-friendly scientific research and mass
confusion to delay government intervention until, for many women, it was too late.
Contact Information:
Lisa Douglas
Law Offices of Lisa Douglas
2300 Main
North Little Rock, AR 72114
Toll Free: 888-THE LAWYER
(501) 798-0004
Lisa@LisaGDouglas.com
http://www.LisaGDouglas.com
2/2

More Related Content

Similar to Talcum Powder Cancer

Agent orange
Agent orangeAgent orange
Agent orange
Creative I.T.
 
Decades of Deception November 2020 presentation in Thailand
Decades of Deception November 2020 presentation in ThailandDecades of Deception November 2020 presentation in Thailand
Decades of Deception November 2020 presentation in Thailand
US Right to Know
 
AZT: How an abandoned drug found new life as an important AIDS/HIV treatment
AZT:  How an abandoned drug found new life as an important AIDS/HIV treatmentAZT:  How an abandoned drug found new life as an important AIDS/HIV treatment
AZT: How an abandoned drug found new life as an important AIDS/HIV treatment
Firhan Malik
 
Breast Implants
Breast ImplantsBreast Implants
Breast Implants
MedicineAndHealth14
 
WashingtonPost WhatiftheCureisAlsoaCause 15Feb2005
WashingtonPost WhatiftheCureisAlsoaCause 15Feb2005WashingtonPost WhatiftheCureisAlsoaCause 15Feb2005
WashingtonPost WhatiftheCureisAlsoaCause 15Feb2005
Maggie Chamberlin Holben, APR
 
CARCINOGENS-REVIEW-PDF-JUNE2017 (1).pdf
CARCINOGENS-REVIEW-PDF-JUNE2017 (1).pdfCARCINOGENS-REVIEW-PDF-JUNE2017 (1).pdf
CARCINOGENS-REVIEW-PDF-JUNE2017 (1).pdf
AbhilipsaSahoo4
 
!Coughlin ASIC China_Keynote Presentation Nov 2016
!Coughlin ASIC China_Keynote Presentation Nov 2016!Coughlin ASIC China_Keynote Presentation Nov 2016
Resource Kit
Resource KitResource Kit
Resource Kit
Nicholas
 
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Under Siege
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Under Siege Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Under Siege
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Under Siege
v2zq
 
0520212487
05202124870520212487
0520212487
FrederickWood4
 
Newsletter 218
Newsletter 218Newsletter 218
Newsletter 218
ESTHHUB
 
Talc Cancer
Talc CancerTalc Cancer
Network of corruption the cdc who and big pharma
Network of corruption the cdc who and big pharmaNetwork of corruption the cdc who and big pharma
Network of corruption the cdc who and big pharma
Kaye Beach
 
4.Top 25 Medical Moments
4.Top 25 Medical Moments4.Top 25 Medical Moments
4.Top 25 Medical Moments
Flyerlemon
 
Steingraber On Cancer Risk in Texas's Fracking Zone
Steingraber On Cancer Risk in Texas's Fracking ZoneSteingraber On Cancer Risk in Texas's Fracking Zone
Steingraber On Cancer Risk in Texas's Fracking Zone
Earth Institute of Columbia University
 
MiscHealthFiles
MiscHealthFilesMiscHealthFiles
MiscHealthFiles
Dr George A Freibott IV
 
Pesticide Research & the Politics of Poisoning for Profits
Pesticide Research & the Politics of Poisoning for Profits Pesticide Research & the Politics of Poisoning for Profits
Pesticide Research & the Politics of Poisoning for Profits
v2zq
 
21062021 first india jaipur
21062021 first india jaipur21062021 first india jaipur
21062021 first india jaipur
FIRST INDIA
 
DEPLETED URANIUM AND HEALTH OF PEOPLE IN BASRAH III 1999.pdf
DEPLETED URANIUM AND HEALTH OF PEOPLE IN BASRAH III 1999.pdfDEPLETED URANIUM AND HEALTH OF PEOPLE IN BASRAH III 1999.pdf
DEPLETED URANIUM AND HEALTH OF PEOPLE IN BASRAH III 1999.pdf
Alim A-H Yacoub Lovers
 
Talcum Powder: Embroiled in Multi-Million Lawsuits
Talcum Powder: Embroiled in Multi-Million Lawsuits Talcum Powder: Embroiled in Multi-Million Lawsuits
Talcum Powder: Embroiled in Multi-Million Lawsuits
Neural IT
 

Similar to Talcum Powder Cancer (20)

Agent orange
Agent orangeAgent orange
Agent orange
 
Decades of Deception November 2020 presentation in Thailand
Decades of Deception November 2020 presentation in ThailandDecades of Deception November 2020 presentation in Thailand
Decades of Deception November 2020 presentation in Thailand
 
AZT: How an abandoned drug found new life as an important AIDS/HIV treatment
AZT:  How an abandoned drug found new life as an important AIDS/HIV treatmentAZT:  How an abandoned drug found new life as an important AIDS/HIV treatment
AZT: How an abandoned drug found new life as an important AIDS/HIV treatment
 
Breast Implants
Breast ImplantsBreast Implants
Breast Implants
 
WashingtonPost WhatiftheCureisAlsoaCause 15Feb2005
WashingtonPost WhatiftheCureisAlsoaCause 15Feb2005WashingtonPost WhatiftheCureisAlsoaCause 15Feb2005
WashingtonPost WhatiftheCureisAlsoaCause 15Feb2005
 
CARCINOGENS-REVIEW-PDF-JUNE2017 (1).pdf
CARCINOGENS-REVIEW-PDF-JUNE2017 (1).pdfCARCINOGENS-REVIEW-PDF-JUNE2017 (1).pdf
CARCINOGENS-REVIEW-PDF-JUNE2017 (1).pdf
 
!Coughlin ASIC China_Keynote Presentation Nov 2016
!Coughlin ASIC China_Keynote Presentation Nov 2016!Coughlin ASIC China_Keynote Presentation Nov 2016
!Coughlin ASIC China_Keynote Presentation Nov 2016
 
Resource Kit
Resource KitResource Kit
Resource Kit
 
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Under Siege
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Under Siege Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Under Siege
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Under Siege
 
0520212487
05202124870520212487
0520212487
 
Newsletter 218
Newsletter 218Newsletter 218
Newsletter 218
 
Talc Cancer
Talc CancerTalc Cancer
Talc Cancer
 
Network of corruption the cdc who and big pharma
Network of corruption the cdc who and big pharmaNetwork of corruption the cdc who and big pharma
Network of corruption the cdc who and big pharma
 
4.Top 25 Medical Moments
4.Top 25 Medical Moments4.Top 25 Medical Moments
4.Top 25 Medical Moments
 
Steingraber On Cancer Risk in Texas's Fracking Zone
Steingraber On Cancer Risk in Texas's Fracking ZoneSteingraber On Cancer Risk in Texas's Fracking Zone
Steingraber On Cancer Risk in Texas's Fracking Zone
 
MiscHealthFiles
MiscHealthFilesMiscHealthFiles
MiscHealthFiles
 
Pesticide Research & the Politics of Poisoning for Profits
Pesticide Research & the Politics of Poisoning for Profits Pesticide Research & the Politics of Poisoning for Profits
Pesticide Research & the Politics of Poisoning for Profits
 
21062021 first india jaipur
21062021 first india jaipur21062021 first india jaipur
21062021 first india jaipur
 
DEPLETED URANIUM AND HEALTH OF PEOPLE IN BASRAH III 1999.pdf
DEPLETED URANIUM AND HEALTH OF PEOPLE IN BASRAH III 1999.pdfDEPLETED URANIUM AND HEALTH OF PEOPLE IN BASRAH III 1999.pdf
DEPLETED URANIUM AND HEALTH OF PEOPLE IN BASRAH III 1999.pdf
 
Talcum Powder: Embroiled in Multi-Million Lawsuits
Talcum Powder: Embroiled in Multi-Million Lawsuits Talcum Powder: Embroiled in Multi-Million Lawsuits
Talcum Powder: Embroiled in Multi-Million Lawsuits
 

Recently uploaded

Patenting_Innovations_in_3D_Printing_Prosthetics.pptx
Patenting_Innovations_in_3D_Printing_Prosthetics.pptxPatenting_Innovations_in_3D_Printing_Prosthetics.pptx
Patenting_Innovations_in_3D_Printing_Prosthetics.pptx
ssuser559494
 
San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflict at Sea
San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflict at SeaSan Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflict at Sea
San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflict at Sea
Justin Ordoyo
 
Presentation (1).pptx Human rights of LGBTQ people in India, constitutional a...
Presentation (1).pptx Human rights of LGBTQ people in India, constitutional a...Presentation (1).pptx Human rights of LGBTQ people in India, constitutional a...
Presentation (1).pptx Human rights of LGBTQ people in India, constitutional a...
SKshi
 
快速办理(SCU毕业证书)澳洲南十字星大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
快速办理(SCU毕业证书)澳洲南十字星大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样快速办理(SCU毕业证书)澳洲南十字星大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
快速办理(SCU毕业证书)澳洲南十字星大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
15e6o6u
 
It's the Law: Recent Court and Administrative Decisions of Interest
It's the Law: Recent Court and Administrative Decisions of InterestIt's the Law: Recent Court and Administrative Decisions of Interest
It's the Law: Recent Court and Administrative Decisions of Interest
Parsons Behle & Latimer
 
在线办理(UNE毕业证书)新英格兰大学毕业证成绩单一模一样
在线办理(UNE毕业证书)新英格兰大学毕业证成绩单一模一样在线办理(UNE毕业证书)新英格兰大学毕业证成绩单一模一样
在线办理(UNE毕业证书)新英格兰大学毕业证成绩单一模一样
15e6o6u
 
The Work Permit for Self-Employed Persons in Italy
The Work Permit for Self-Employed Persons in ItalyThe Work Permit for Self-Employed Persons in Italy
The Work Permit for Self-Employed Persons in Italy
BridgeWest.eu
 
From Promise to Practice. Implementing AI in Legal Environments
From Promise to Practice. Implementing AI in Legal EnvironmentsFrom Promise to Practice. Implementing AI in Legal Environments
From Promise to Practice. Implementing AI in Legal Environments
ssusera97a2f
 
Lifting the Corporate Veil. Power Point Presentation
Lifting the Corporate Veil. Power Point PresentationLifting the Corporate Veil. Power Point Presentation
Lifting the Corporate Veil. Power Point Presentation
seri bangash
 
PPT-Money Laundering - lecture 5.pptx ll
PPT-Money Laundering - lecture 5.pptx llPPT-Money Laundering - lecture 5.pptx ll
PPT-Money Laundering - lecture 5.pptx ll
MohammadZubair874462
 
Search Warrants for NH Law Enforcement Officers
Search Warrants for NH Law Enforcement OfficersSearch Warrants for NH Law Enforcement Officers
Search Warrants for NH Law Enforcement Officers
RichardTheberge
 
Genocide in International Criminal Law.pptx
Genocide in International Criminal Law.pptxGenocide in International Criminal Law.pptx
Genocide in International Criminal Law.pptx
MasoudZamani13
 
What are the common challenges faced by women lawyers working in the legal pr...
What are the common challenges faced by women lawyers working in the legal pr...What are the common challenges faced by women lawyers working in the legal pr...
What are the common challenges faced by women lawyers working in the legal pr...
lawyersonia
 
Anti Money Laundering & know client.pptx
Anti Money Laundering & know client.pptxAnti Money Laundering & know client.pptx
Anti Money Laundering & know client.pptx
TarunKumarSingh37
 
The Future of Criminal Defense Lawyer in India.pdf
The Future of Criminal Defense Lawyer in India.pdfThe Future of Criminal Defense Lawyer in India.pdf
The Future of Criminal Defense Lawyer in India.pdf
veteranlegal
 
Receivership and liquidation Accounts Prof. Oyedokun.pptx
Receivership and liquidation Accounts Prof. Oyedokun.pptxReceivership and liquidation Accounts Prof. Oyedokun.pptx
Receivership and liquidation Accounts Prof. Oyedokun.pptx
Godwin Emmanuel Oyedokun MBA MSc PhD FCA FCTI FCNA CFE FFAR
 
Integrating Advocacy and Legal Tactics to Tackle Online Consumer Complaints
Integrating Advocacy and Legal Tactics to Tackle Online Consumer ComplaintsIntegrating Advocacy and Legal Tactics to Tackle Online Consumer Complaints
Integrating Advocacy and Legal Tactics to Tackle Online Consumer Complaints
seoglobal20
 
原版制作(PSU毕业证书)宾州州立大学公园分校毕业证学历证书一模一样
原版制作(PSU毕业证书)宾州州立大学公园分校毕业证学历证书一模一样原版制作(PSU毕业证书)宾州州立大学公园分校毕业证学历证书一模一样
原版制作(PSU毕业证书)宾州州立大学公园分校毕业证学历证书一模一样
osenwakm
 
fnaf lore.pptx ...................................
fnaf lore.pptx ...................................fnaf lore.pptx ...................................
fnaf lore.pptx ...................................
20jcoello
 
一比一原版(Lincoln毕业证)新西兰林肯大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(Lincoln毕业证)新西兰林肯大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(Lincoln毕业证)新西兰林肯大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(Lincoln毕业证)新西兰林肯大学毕业证如何办理
gjsma0ep
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Patenting_Innovations_in_3D_Printing_Prosthetics.pptx
Patenting_Innovations_in_3D_Printing_Prosthetics.pptxPatenting_Innovations_in_3D_Printing_Prosthetics.pptx
Patenting_Innovations_in_3D_Printing_Prosthetics.pptx
 
San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflict at Sea
San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflict at SeaSan Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflict at Sea
San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflict at Sea
 
Presentation (1).pptx Human rights of LGBTQ people in India, constitutional a...
Presentation (1).pptx Human rights of LGBTQ people in India, constitutional a...Presentation (1).pptx Human rights of LGBTQ people in India, constitutional a...
Presentation (1).pptx Human rights of LGBTQ people in India, constitutional a...
 
快速办理(SCU毕业证书)澳洲南十字星大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
快速办理(SCU毕业证书)澳洲南十字星大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样快速办理(SCU毕业证书)澳洲南十字星大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
快速办理(SCU毕业证书)澳洲南十字星大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
 
It's the Law: Recent Court and Administrative Decisions of Interest
It's the Law: Recent Court and Administrative Decisions of InterestIt's the Law: Recent Court and Administrative Decisions of Interest
It's the Law: Recent Court and Administrative Decisions of Interest
 
在线办理(UNE毕业证书)新英格兰大学毕业证成绩单一模一样
在线办理(UNE毕业证书)新英格兰大学毕业证成绩单一模一样在线办理(UNE毕业证书)新英格兰大学毕业证成绩单一模一样
在线办理(UNE毕业证书)新英格兰大学毕业证成绩单一模一样
 
The Work Permit for Self-Employed Persons in Italy
The Work Permit for Self-Employed Persons in ItalyThe Work Permit for Self-Employed Persons in Italy
The Work Permit for Self-Employed Persons in Italy
 
From Promise to Practice. Implementing AI in Legal Environments
From Promise to Practice. Implementing AI in Legal EnvironmentsFrom Promise to Practice. Implementing AI in Legal Environments
From Promise to Practice. Implementing AI in Legal Environments
 
Lifting the Corporate Veil. Power Point Presentation
Lifting the Corporate Veil. Power Point PresentationLifting the Corporate Veil. Power Point Presentation
Lifting the Corporate Veil. Power Point Presentation
 
PPT-Money Laundering - lecture 5.pptx ll
PPT-Money Laundering - lecture 5.pptx llPPT-Money Laundering - lecture 5.pptx ll
PPT-Money Laundering - lecture 5.pptx ll
 
Search Warrants for NH Law Enforcement Officers
Search Warrants for NH Law Enforcement OfficersSearch Warrants for NH Law Enforcement Officers
Search Warrants for NH Law Enforcement Officers
 
Genocide in International Criminal Law.pptx
Genocide in International Criminal Law.pptxGenocide in International Criminal Law.pptx
Genocide in International Criminal Law.pptx
 
What are the common challenges faced by women lawyers working in the legal pr...
What are the common challenges faced by women lawyers working in the legal pr...What are the common challenges faced by women lawyers working in the legal pr...
What are the common challenges faced by women lawyers working in the legal pr...
 
Anti Money Laundering & know client.pptx
Anti Money Laundering & know client.pptxAnti Money Laundering & know client.pptx
Anti Money Laundering & know client.pptx
 
The Future of Criminal Defense Lawyer in India.pdf
The Future of Criminal Defense Lawyer in India.pdfThe Future of Criminal Defense Lawyer in India.pdf
The Future of Criminal Defense Lawyer in India.pdf
 
Receivership and liquidation Accounts Prof. Oyedokun.pptx
Receivership and liquidation Accounts Prof. Oyedokun.pptxReceivership and liquidation Accounts Prof. Oyedokun.pptx
Receivership and liquidation Accounts Prof. Oyedokun.pptx
 
Integrating Advocacy and Legal Tactics to Tackle Online Consumer Complaints
Integrating Advocacy and Legal Tactics to Tackle Online Consumer ComplaintsIntegrating Advocacy and Legal Tactics to Tackle Online Consumer Complaints
Integrating Advocacy and Legal Tactics to Tackle Online Consumer Complaints
 
原版制作(PSU毕业证书)宾州州立大学公园分校毕业证学历证书一模一样
原版制作(PSU毕业证书)宾州州立大学公园分校毕业证学历证书一模一样原版制作(PSU毕业证书)宾州州立大学公园分校毕业证学历证书一模一样
原版制作(PSU毕业证书)宾州州立大学公园分校毕业证学历证书一模一样
 
fnaf lore.pptx ...................................
fnaf lore.pptx ...................................fnaf lore.pptx ...................................
fnaf lore.pptx ...................................
 
一比一原版(Lincoln毕业证)新西兰林肯大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(Lincoln毕业证)新西兰林肯大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(Lincoln毕业证)新西兰林肯大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(Lincoln毕业证)新西兰林肯大学毕业证如何办理
 

Talcum Powder Cancer

  • 1. Talcum Powder Cancer www.pressreleasecircle.com/talcum-powder-cancer Submitted by admin on Fri, 05/27/2016 - 19:13. Talc Interested Party Task Force (TIPTF) created by Johnson & Johnson to influence the talc powder regulation. May 27, 2016 (North Little Rock, Arkansas) In 1992, Johnson & Johnson, proud purveyor of talcum-based baby powder, was fighting a losing public relations battle. Baby powder had been a company staple since 1893, but studies were beginning to show with alarming regularity that there was a positive connection between talc and ovarian cancer. Dr. Daniel Cramer first demonstrated in 1982 that frequent and lengthy talc use increased the risk of ovarian cancer by as much as 33%. A flurry of studies from scientists all over the world followed, and in 1992, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) found “clear evidence of carcinogenicity activity in female rats” exposed to talc inhalation. (https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/lt_rpts/tr421.pdf) In response, Johnson & Johnson and its allies created the Talc Interested Party Task Force (TIPTF). Johnson & Johnson and its talc supplier Luzenac operated and paid for the task force. Although its public purpose was to pool resources so that its members could more easily combat government regulation of talc, its actual purposes were even more sinister. As government pressure began to mount, the TIPTF sought to prevent or delay talc’s classification as a carcinogenic by any means necessary. One suggestion, according to a Luzenac internal memo written in 1998 after a strategy meeting at the University of California at Irvine, was to produce a scientific study of its own using “two or three experts from the club. HAC will give us names.” (http://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-baby-powder-cancer- lawsuits/img/l...) Hoda Anton-Culver is the Epidemiology Chair at UC Irvine, and the plaintiffs in the recent case against Johnson & Johnson have argued that “from the club” refers to scientists who would respond to pressure from the TIPTF and manipulate their studies accordingly. The pressure to fight back against regulation intensified as the world began to take studies like Cramer’s seriously. In 2006 the International Association for the Research of Cancer, a division of the World Health Organization, published a paper classifying the use of talc on genitalia as a Group 2B carcinogen. That same year, the Canadian government classified talc as a “poisonous and infectious material” and a “very toxic” substance. (http://ccinfoweb2.ccohs.ca/whmis/records/756E.html) In the United States, the National Toxicology Program voted 13-2 to list talc as a possible human carcinogen. In spite of the overwhelming vote, the TIPTF convinced the government to defer making an official decision on talc. According to a Bloomberg.com article, the TIPTF used confusion about the differences between the asbestos-containing talc used in the 1970s and the asbestos-free talc used in the twenty-first century to confound the NPT. In a letter to a colleague, a Luzenac executive referred to the victory as “dodging a bullet,” credited the asbestos confusion with staying the government’s hand, and suggested the TIPTF “come up with more confusion” to stifle further progress. http://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-baby- powder-cancer-lawsuits/ By the end of 2006, Luzenac was out of the denial business. Acknowledging that “the horse had already left the barn,” Luzenac no longer financed studies commissioned to prove to the public that talc was safe. (http://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-baby-powder-cancer-lawsuits/) Now known as Imerys Talc, the company provides warning labels on its talc shipments that perineal use may lead to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Accordingly, Imerys Talc was not held liable for damages when Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay out $127 million to two plaintiffs just three weeks apart. Nevertheless, as a key member of the TIPTF they played an 1/2
  • 2. important and nefarious role in protecting the use of talc powder all over the world. Ostensibly created to pool resources, the TIPTF quickly became an influential lobby which used company-friendly scientific research and mass confusion to delay government intervention until, for many women, it was too late. Contact Information: Lisa Douglas Law Offices of Lisa Douglas 2300 Main North Little Rock, AR 72114 Toll Free: 888-THE LAWYER (501) 798-0004 Lisa@LisaGDouglas.com http://www.LisaGDouglas.com 2/2