Thousands of individuals are pursuing legal action against Johnson & Johnson, alleging that their talcum powder usage led to cancer development.
Approximately 3,000 people in the UK are taking legal steps against the pharmaceutical company, asserting that Johnson’s Baby Powder contained asbestos knowingly sold by the company. The plaintiffs claim that either they or their family members contracted ovarian cancer or mesothelioma due to talc usage and are now seeking compensation from the US corporation at the High Court in London.
One of the individuals involved in the lawsuit, Janet Fuschillo, disclosed that she had been using J&J’s baby powder since the 1960s and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer seven years ago. Janet, aged 75, expressed her distress, stating that she had applied talc on herself and her children for almost five decades under the belief that it was safe and beneficial. She emphasized her concern and frustration over unknowingly exposing her children to potential harm.
Legal representatives for the group claimed in court filings that Johnson & Johnson had concealed the risks associated with their talcum powder for many years and had only switched to corn starch in their baby powder in the UK since 2023. KP Law is managing the case against J&J, the prominent talc distributor.
Responding to the allegations, a spokesperson for Kenvue, previously a part of J&J, defended the safety of the talc used in baby powder, asserting compliance with regulations, the absence of asbestos, and the non-carcinogenic nature of the product. Talc, being a naturally occurring mineral extracted from the earth, was cited as the primary ingredient in the contentious product.
Michael Rawlinson KC, representing the claimants, highlighted that J&J had allegedly withheld crucial information about asbestos contamination in their baby powder. He accused the company of engaging in deceptive practices to safeguard their brand reputation and financial interests.
Mesothelioma, a cancer form primarily linked to asbestos exposure, typically affects the lungs as individuals inhale the microscopic fibers. Patricia Angell recounted her husband Edward’s tragic death from mesothelioma in 2006, attributing his use of J&J’s talcum powder as a contributing factor despite his lack of direct asbestos exposure awareness.
In a separate legal case in the US, Johnson & Johnson was compelled to pay $4.69 billion in damages to 22 women who claimed to have developed ovarian cancer due to the company’s baby powder.
Both Kenvue and Johnson & Johnson maintained their stance on the safety of Johnson’s Baby Powder, citing extensive testing by reputable laboratories and health authorities. The companies emphasized the compliance with regulatory standards, absence of asbestos, and the non-carcinogenic properties of the talc employed in their products.
Johnson & Johnson redirected inquiries to Kenvue, their former consumer health division, which now handles talc-related litigations outside the US and Canada following their separation in August 2023.