Understanding Talc in Consumer Products: Health Concerns and Legal Considerations in NY

Michele Mirman | Product Liability | March 2, 2026

At Mirman, Markovits & Landau, P.C., I regularly speak with clients who have cancer and want clarity about cancer-causing ingredients in everyday products, most particularly talc, which has been implicated in cancers affecting women. And women have started to hold manufacturers responsible in lawsuits.

What Is Talc?

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral made of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. Manufacturers use it because it absorbs moisture and improves texture. As a result, companies have included talc in cosmetics, baby powder, and body powders. However, talc is often found in nature near asbestos which is a known carcinogen and a cause of mesothelioma. Women have claimed that use on their genitals resulted in ovarian cancer, and inhalation resulted in mesothelioma.

The Litigation

Ovarian cancer and mesothelioma victims have brought lawsuits against manufacturers of talc-based baby powders, citing the connection between cancer, talc and asbestos.   

The legal battle over Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) talc-based products is one of the largest mass tort litigations in history. As of early 2026, the company faces over 67,000 pending lawsuits alleging that its baby powder caused ovarian cancer or mesothelioma. 

Across the country, courts have handled thousands of talc-related cases. Some juries have returned significant verdicts. Others have ruled in favor of manufacturers after reviewing the scientific record.

New York Legal Considerations

New York law allows consumers to pursue compensation if a product is proven defective. 

Generally, New York has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, toxic exposure claims may involve the discovery rule, which can extend filing deadlines. Wrongful death claims follow separate statutory timelines.

Under New York law, product liability claims typically involve three legal theories. A failure-to-warn claim alleges inadequate safety instructions. A design defect claim challenges the product’s structural safety. A manufacturing defect claim addresses contamination or production errors. You can learn more about our approach to these cases here: New York product liability

What Should Consumers Do?

If you have concerns that you have suffered cancer or mesothelioma because of a talc-based product, call us. At Mirman, Markovits & Landau, P.C., I remain committed to helping New Yorkers understand their rights in product litigation and get justice. Call us at  212-804-6502 or visit us at https://mirmanlawyers.com.