Johnson & Johnson baby powder: Thousands sue company alleging it hid talcum powder cancer risks

Johnson & Johnson baby powder: Thousands sue company alleging it hid talcum powder cancer risks

In the UK, a significant legal case has been initiated against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, accusing the company of knowingly distributing baby powder contaminated with asbestos. This lawsuit involves around 3,000 individuals and is centered on internal documents and scientific research, as reported by the BBC. The legal claim asserts that Johnson & Johnson was aware as early as the 1960s that its talcum powder contained asbestos-related minerals like tremolite and actinolite.

The court documents claim that despite being aware of the cancer-causing properties of these minerals, Johnson & Johnson did not provide any warnings on the packaging of their baby powder. Instead, the company allegedly launched marketing campaigns that positioned the powder as a symbol of purity and safety. Johnson & Johnson denies these allegations, stating that their baby powder complied with all regulatory standards, was asbestos-free, and posed no cancer risk.

The sale of baby powder containing talc was halted in the UK in 2023. This legal action in the UK mirrors numerous lawsuits in the US, where claimants have been awarded substantial damages in some cases. Lawyers representing the claimants estimate that the damages sought in the UK could reach hundreds of millions of pounds, potentially making it the largest product liability case in British history.

The assertion of a connection between talcum powder and cancer revolves around asbestos, a known carcinogen. Talc, a mineral used in Johnson & Johnson talcum powders, is often found near asbestos deposits. The claim alleges that the company identified asbestos in its baby powder in the 1960s, but Johnson & Johnson disputes this claim, stating that their products were safe for use and did not contain asbestos.

One of the affected individuals in the UK, Siobhan Ryan, recounts how she trusted Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder due to her mother using it. Despite the comforting scent and texture of the powder, Siobhan was later diagnosed with ovarian cancer, leading her to believe that her prolonged use of the product might have been the cause. Johnson & Johnson maintains that their baby powder was safe and had undergone extensive testing by various authorities

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More