Thousands Sue Johnson & Johnson Over Asbestos in Talc Powder

Thousands of individuals are pursuing legal action against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J), alleging the company knowingly sold talcum powder contaminated with asbestos in the UK. Approximately 3,000 claimants, including those representing family members, assert that their use of Johnson’s Baby Powder led to diagnoses of ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer associated with asbestos exposure. The group is seeking damages at the High Court, with claims directed towards both J&J and its former subsidiary, Kenvue UK.

The plaintiffs contend that J&J concealed the risks of its talcum powder products from the public for decades. In a significant shift, the company has replaced talc with corn starch in its baby powder sold in the UK since March 2023. A spokesperson for Kenvue stated that the talc used in their baby powder complied with all regulatory standards, asserting it did not contain asbestos and therefore does not cause cancer.

Michael Rawlinson KC, representing the claimants, emphasized the scarcity of talc deposits globally that do not contain asbestos. He noted that all the mines supplying J&J had been shown to contain asbestos, citing reports and existing scientific literature that would have made J&J aware of the contamination risk. Rawlinson accused the company of suppressing critical information regarding the safety of its baby powder and alleged that J&J had lobbied regulators to maintain the product’s market presence while downplaying health risks.

The emotional toll of these allegations is evident in personal testimonies from claimants. Janet Fuschillo, who has used J&J’s baby powder since the 1960s, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer seven years ago. She expressed her distress, stating, “I used talc on myself and all four of my children because we were told it was pure, and it was good for you.” Fuschillo’s experience highlights the pain and anger felt by many who trusted the product for decades.

Likewise, Patricia Angell recounted her husband Edward’s tragic battle with mesothelioma, which he was diagnosed with shortly before his death in 2006. She described him as a “perfectly fit, healthy man” who, despite having no known asbestos exposure, used J&J’s talc regularly after work. Angell recounted that talc was mentioned in his autopsy report, alongside asbestos strains found in the contaminated talc.

The relationship between talc exposure and mesothelioma is well-documented. According to the National Health Service (NHS), mesothelioma is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure, typically resulting from inhalation of microscopic fibers. Rawlinson explained that the application method of baby powder—squeezing or shaking the bottle—creates “clouds” of powder that linger in the air, increasing the likelihood of inhalation.

Responding to the legal claims, a spokesperson for Kenvue stated, “We sympathise deeply with people living with cancer. We understand that they and their families want answers – that’s why the facts are so important.” They reiterated that the safety of Johnson’s Baby Powder is supported by extensive testing conducted by independent laboratories and health authorities worldwide, asserting it meets all regulatory standards.

The ongoing legal battle underscores the tension between consumer safety and corporate accountability. As thousands seek justice, the implications for J&J could be significant, both financially and reputationally. This case may set a precedent for how companies handle product safety and transparency in the future, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry.