
Johnson’s Baby Powder has been a household staple for decades. Used to absorb moisture and aid in hygiene, the soft sweet-scented powder can be found in many bathroom closets in the U.S.
The makers of the baby powder, Johnson & Johnson, found themselves out of the closet and in headline news over information that company executives have known for more than 40 years that the raw talc and finished powders have tested positive at times for small quantities of asbestos. Asbestos has been proved to cause cancer; there are no safe limits.
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals composed of thin, needle-like fibers that are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals. These properties made asbestos a popular material for use in a wide range of products, including construction materials, automotive parts, and even household items. However, when asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can become airborne and easily inhaled. Once inhaled, these fibers can become lodged in the lungs and other tissues, leading to serious health issues over time.
The dangers of asbestos exposure have been well-documented for decades. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to several severe and often fatal health conditions. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified asbestos, and talc contaminated with asbestos, as an established human carcinogen. This classification is based on extensive research showing the significant health risks posed by asbestos exposure.
If inhaled, talc contaminated with asbestos can cause a number of life-altering and potentially deadly cancers and lung diseases. Common diseases associated with asbestos exposure include:
Asbestos and talc are naturally occurring minerals that often form together. This means that talc deposits can be contaminated with asbestos and asbestos-like fibers. Johnson & Johnson processes talc to create the silky soft powder that has been used by families for generations. However, what’s most troubling is not just the presence of asbestos in some samples of Johnson’s Baby Powder, but that company executives chose not to alert regulators or consumers about these findings. Instead, they went to great lengths to suppress this information, as reported by Reuters.
Reuters exposed this alarming information through an extensive review of company memos, internal documents, and emails—documents that had been closely guarded by the company and courts in the lawsuits against J&J. This information was made public due to the pressure from attorneys representing 11,700 plaintiffs, including thousands of women with ovarian cancer, who claim that Johnson & Johnson’s talc products caused their cancers. Despite these revelations, J&J’s attorneys have consistently denied that their talc contained asbestos.
While the link between ovarian cancer and talc use is not conclusively proven, and it’s unclear if the trace amounts of asbestos found in J&J’s products were sufficient to cause cancer, what is indisputable is that asbestos is a well-established carcinogen.
Armed with evidence of asbestos contamination in Johnson’s talc, plaintiffs’ lawyers have been able to build stronger cases against the company. In July, a jury in St. Louis awarded $550 million in actual damages and $4.14 billion in punitive damages to 22 plaintiffs who claimed that J&J’s talc caused ovarian cancer. The punitive damages were calculated by multiplying the estimated $70 million J&J earned annually from baby powder sales over 43 years—the period since the company claimed its baby powder was asbestos-free.
Lead plaintiffs’ counsel, Mark Lanier, stated that Johnson & Johnson should cease selling talc-based products to prevent further harm. He pointed out that J&J also sells a cornstarch-based powder, which does not carry the same risks.
What’s even more concerning is that talcum is not only found in baby powder but also in other cosmetics, such as face powder, lipstick, mascara, eye shadow, blush, and lotion. However, the FDA does not test cosmetics for safety. The agency relies on voluntary standards set by the industry’s trade association, which requested its members use only asbestos-free talc since the 1970s. But without government regulations to enforce this, there is no guarantee that these standards are followed. The FDA is not required to test cosmetic products or their ingredients, leaving consumers vulnerable.
Talc is also used in other non-cosmetic products, including pharmaceutical pills, chewing gum, crayons, and children’s toys, raising further concerns about potential asbestos exposure.
Recently, the American Cancer Society updated the wording on its website in light of the Reuters investigation. The site previously claimed that all talcum products used in homes have been asbestos-free since the 1970s. It now states that products produced in the U.S. “should be free from detectable amounts of asbestos,” highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the safety of these products.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a disease related to asbestos exposure, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. In cases involving talc contaminated with asbestos, lawsuits have been filed against companies like Johnson & Johnson, alleging that they knowingly sold products containing asbestos without warning consumers.
Filing a lawsuit can be a complex process that requires a thorough understanding of the legal landscape and the specific regulations surrounding asbestos litigation. The experienced attorneys at Casey Law Offices, S.C. can help you navigate this process by:
It’s important to act quickly, as there are statutes of limitations that limit the time you have to file a lawsuit. Contacting Casey Law Offices, S.C. as soon as possible can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered from ovarian cancer and you suspect that baby powder may have contributed, Casey Law Offices, S.C. is here to help. Our experienced attorneys are committed to fighting for justice and holding companies accountable for their actions.
Contact us today at 414-272-3776 or online for a free consultation.
My case was handled very professionally by him and his staff. Even when my case resolved and party tried to delay payment, Mr.Casey stayed on them until the end and my case closed.
John helped me a great deal with my automobile accident claim. He was very knowledgeable and really responsive to my concerns. I received an excellent settlement. I just recommended him to a friend.
Attorney Casey helped me tremendously in a time of great need. He’s down-to-earth, friendly, and very knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend him to others.
I hired Attorney Casey to represent me in a complicated contract dispute. Despite the complexity of the language in the 15-page contract, Attorney Casey was able to negotiate a very fair settlement for me without my having to appear in court. The process was stress-free; working with his staff was easy — they communicated clearly and timely with me. Best of all, the dispute was resolved in a matter of a few months, not more than a year as I had predicted.
I hired Attorney Casey to represent me after I had been seriously hurt in a car accident and was unable to work. I found Attorney Casey to be responsive, tenacious and unwavering in his commitment to secure the maximum amount in damages for me. The six-figure settlement has helped me pay my medical bills and return my life to normalcy. I highly recommend Attorney Casey and the team at Casey Law Offices.