Johnson & Johnson Execs Lied About Asbestos in Baby Powder Studies & New Findings Bolster Lawsuit | Casey Law Offices, S.C.
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Johnson & Johnson Execs Lied About Asbestos in Baby Powder Studies & New Findings Bolster Lawsuit

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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.

What is Asbestos?

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.

Health Concerns from Asbestos

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.

Diseases Associated with 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:

 

  • Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells lining the lungs, chest cavity, abdominal cavity, or heart cavity. Mesothelioma can take decades to develop after the initial exposure, making it a particularly insidious disease.
  • Asbestosis: A chronic lung condition characterized by inflammation and scarring of lung tissue. This condition leads to progressive shortness of breath and respiratory failure, significantly affecting the quality of life.
  • Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure is also a major risk factor for lung cancer. For every case of mesothelioma, there are at least twice as many cases of asbestos-related lung cancer. The abnormal cell growth in lung tissues caused by asbestos fibers can be deadly if not treated early.
  • Other Related Cancers: In addition to mesothelioma and lung cancer, asbestos exposure has been linked to other cancers, including cancers of the larynx, pancreas, esophagus, colon, kidney, omentum (the fatty tissue layer covering the lower abdomen), and tunica vaginalis (the inner lining of the testicular sac).

The Hidden Dangers of Asbestos in Talc

 

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.

The Reuters Investigation and the Lawsuits That Followed

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.

Strengthening the Case for Plaintiffs

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.

The FDA’s Role and Lack of Regulation

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.

Shifts in Public Awareness

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.

How to File a Lawsuit Against Manufacturers

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:

  • Evaluating Your Case: Our attorneys will assess the details of your case, including your medical history and the extent of your asbestos exposure, to determine the viability of a lawsuit.
  • Gathering Evidence: Successful asbestos lawsuits require substantial evidence, including medical records, employment history, and proof of asbestos exposure. The team at Casey Law Offices will work to collect and organize this evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
  • Filing the Claim: Once the necessary evidence is gathered, our attorneys will file the lawsuit on your behalf, naming the appropriate defendants and seeking compensation for your injuries.
  • Negotiating Settlements: Many asbestos-related cases are settled out of court. Casey Law Offices will negotiate with the defendants to secure a fair settlement that compensates you for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
  • Representing You in Court: If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. Our experienced attorneys will represent you in court, presenting the evidence and arguing your case before a judge and jury.

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.

Seeking Justice with Casey Law Offices

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.

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