Johnson's Baby Powder makers 'knowingly sold asbestos-tainted talc' as 3,000 say it caused cancer

Legal Action Mounts Against Johnson & Johnson Over Talcum Powder Allegations Thousands are pursuing legal recourse against pharmaceutic...

Legal Action Mounts Against Johnson & Johnson Over Talcum Powder Allegations

Thousands are pursuing legal recourse against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J) in the United Kingdom, alleging the company knowingly marketed talcum powder contaminated with asbestos. Approximately 3,000 individuals claim that either they or a family member developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma due to the use of Johnson's Baby Powder. They are now seeking damages in the High Court in London.

The claimants' legal representatives argue that J&J deliberately concealed the potential health risks from the public for decades, continuing to sell the product until 2022. While the US-based corporation has since replaced talc with cornstarch in its baby powder formulation sold in the UK (since 2023), the legal battle continues to unfold.

Key Arguments Presented in Court

Michael Rawlinson KC, representing the plaintiffs, asserted in court documents that "there exist very few, if any, commercially exploited talc deposits in the world which do not contain asbestos." He further stated that all mines supplying J&J contained asbestos, and that internal reports, company research, and existing scientific literature should have alerted them to the contamination.

Kenvue, formerly a part of J&J, maintains that the talc used in its products adhered to all relevant regulations, was asbestos-free, and does not cause cancer.

The Human Cost: Personal Accounts of Suffering

Many involved in the lawsuit are cancer patients or have lost loved ones to the disease. They firmly believe their illnesses were triggered by regular use of the widely popular baby powder.

Allegations of Suppressed Information and Lobbying

Court documents filed on Thursday included allegations that J&J suppressed information that might have indicated asbestos contamination in its baby powder. Mr. Rawlinson also stated that J&J engaged in lobbying efforts to ensure the continued sale of its product and sponsored research aimed at minimizing the perceived dangers to human health.

Consequently, it is argued that J&J "acted in bad faith, to protect the reputation and profit-making potential of baby powder and the goodwill attached to their name."

Kenvue's Response: A Focus on Safety and Compliance

A Kenvue spokesperson issued a statement expressing sympathy for individuals battling cancer. The statement emphasized the importance of factual accuracy and asserted that the safety of Johnson's Baby Powder is supported by years of testing conducted by independent laboratories, universities, and health authorities in the UK and globally. The company insists that the cosmetic-grade talc used in Johnson's Baby Powder complied with all applicable regulatory standards, was free from asbestos, and does not cause cancer.

Personal Testimonies: The Impact of Decades of Use

Janet Fuschillo, a plaintiff in the case, stated she used J&J's baby powder since the 1960s and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer seven years ago. The 75-year-old expressed concern and anger, stating that she used talc on herself and her four children because it was believed to be pure and beneficial. She used it frequently for nearly 50 years, including during diaper changes and after baths.

A Widow's Grief: Linking Mesothelioma to Talc Use

Patricia Angell shared the story of her husband, Edward, who died in 2006 at the age of 64, shortly after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. She described him as a healthy electrician who was aware of the dangers of asbestos. According to Angell, doctors inquired about asbestos exposure upon his diagnosis, but he had never knowingly come into contact with it at work. However, he regularly used J&J's talc after showering following work, trusting it was pure. Talc, along with asbestos strains found in contaminated talc, was mentioned in Edward's autopsy report. Angell believes her husband was robbed of 19 years of life, and her children were deprived of their father.

Understanding Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, is almost always caused by asbestos exposure, according to the NHS (National Health Service). It typically develops in the lining of the lungs after microscopic asbestos fibers are inhaled.

The Method of Application and Potential for Inhalation

Mr. Rawlinson argued that the method of applying baby powder, whether squeezing or shaking the bottle, created clouds of powder that lingered in the air for extended periods, leading to inhalation by the user. This prolonged exposure, he contends, significantly increased the risk of asbestos-related diseases.