Thousands of individuals are initiating legal proceedings against Johnson & Johnson, alleging that their talcum powder usage led to cancer development. In the UK, approximately 3,000 people are suing the pharmaceutical company, claiming that Johnson’s Baby Powder contained asbestos knowingly. The plaintiffs assert that either they or their family members contracted ovarian cancer or mesothelioma from using the talc and are pursuing compensation through legal action at the High Court in London.
One of the case participants, Janet Fuschillo, disclosed that she utilized J&J’s baby powder starting from the 1960s and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer seven years ago. Expressing concern and frustration, Janet, aged 75, stated that she applied talc on herself and her children for almost 50 years based on the belief that it was pure and beneficial. She emphasized her distress at having used talc on her children.
Legal representatives for the group alleged in court filings that Johnson & Johnson concealed the risks associated with talc for many years, transitioning to corn starch in 2023 in the UK. The law firm KP Law is handling the case against J&J, the primary talc distributor.
Contrary to the claims, a spokesperson for Kenvue, previously part of J&J, affirmed that the talc used in baby powder adhered to regulations, did not contain asbestos, and was not carcinogenic. Talc, a naturally occurring mineral, is extracted from the earth.
According to Michael Rawlinson KC, representing the claimants, the majority of talc deposits globally contain asbestos, including those supplied to J&J. He accused the company of concealing information regarding asbestos contamination in baby powder, lobbying regulators, and sponsoring studies to downplay health risks.
Mesothelioma, a cancer type predominantly caused by asbestos exposure, typically affects the lungs after inhalation of microscopic fibers, as highlighted by the NHS. Patricia Angell recounted her late husband Edward’s battle with mesothelioma, attributing his illness to talc use and expressing profound loss over the years taken from her family.
A previous US court ruling ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay substantial damages to women claiming ovarian cancer from their baby powder. In response, Kenvue expressed sympathy for cancer patients and emphasized the safety and compliance of their talc products with regulatory standards.
Johnson & Johnson redirected inquiries to Kenvue regarding talc-related litigation, emphasizing Kenvue’s responsibility post-separation in 2023. The company defended the safety and quality of their baby powder, citing extensive testing and compliance with regulatory standards.