Thousands of individuals are pursuing legal action against Johnson & Johnson, alleging that its talcum powder usage led to their cancer diagnosis.
In the UK, around 3,000 people are taking legal action against the pharmaceutical company, claiming that Johnson’s Baby Powder was knowingly contaminated with asbestos. The plaintiffs argue that either they or their family members developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma due to the talcum powder usage. They are seeking compensation from the US company at the High Court in London.
One of the individuals involved in the case, Janet Fuschillo, disclosed that she had been using J&J’s baby powder since the 1960s and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer seven years ago. She expressed concern and anger over the fact that she had used talcum powder on her children, believing it to be pure and beneficial.
According to court documents filed by lawyers representing the group, Johnson & Johnson allegedly concealed the risks associated with talcum powder for many years before switching to corn starch in its baby powder in the UK starting from 2023. The legal counsel, KP Law, is handling the case against Johnson & Johnson, which was a major talc distributor.
Responding to the allegations, a spokesperson for Kenvue, previously a part of Johnson & Johnson, stated that the talc used in baby powder adhered to regulations, did not contain asbestos, and was not linked to cancer. Talc, a natural mineral extracted from the earth, is the primary ingredient in talcum powder.
Michael Rawlinson KC, representing the claimants, argued in court documents that the talc deposits supplied by Johnson & Johnson contained asbestos, despite the company’s knowledge of the contamination. He claimed that Johnson & Johnson deliberately withheld information regarding asbestos contamination in its baby powder, lobbied regulators to continue selling the product, and sponsored studies to downplay health risks.
Mr. Rawlinson further stated that Johnson & Johnson acted in bad faith to safeguard its brand reputation and profits associated with baby powder. Mesothelioma, a cancer type commonly linked to asbestos exposure, typically develops in the lungs when individuals inhale microscopic fibers.
Patricia Angell shared her experience of her husband, Edward, passing away from mesothelioma in 2006 at the age of 64. She mentioned that despite Edward’s awareness of asbestos from his work as an electrician, he used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder regularly as he believed it to be safe. The autopsy report revealed the presence of asbestos strains in the contaminated talcum powder.
A US court previously ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $4.69 billion in damages to 22 women who claimed that they developed ovarian cancer from using Johnson’s baby powder.
In response to the ongoing legal proceedings, a Kenvue spokesperson emphasized the safety of Johnson’s Baby Powder, backed by extensive testing by independent laboratories, universities, and health authorities worldwide. The spokesperson reiterated that the talc used in the product met regulatory standards, did not contain asbestos, and was not carcinogenic.
A Johnson & Johnson spokesperson redirected inquiries related to talc litigation to Kenvue, the former consumer health business that separated from Johnson & Johnson in August 2023. Kenvue retained responsibility and potential liability for talcum powder-related litigation outside the US and Canada.