Did Johnson & Johnson Focus on Marketing Cancer-Causing Talc Products to Minorities and Women?
When we think of babies, we think of plump cheeks, sweet smiles, and the lovely fresh scent of baby powder. Johnson & Johnson built an entire brand and a multi-billion dollar multi-national company on its baby powder’s fresh scent. But it turns out that one of the most trusted companies in America was misleading us all along.
Asbestos Contaminated Talcum Powder
Johnson & Johnson faced years of speculation that talcum powder contaminated by asbestos, a known carcinogen, was causing cancer. Finally, in 2006, the World Health Organization labeled talcum powder as “possibly carcinogenic” when used as a genital antiperspirant or deodorant. Johnson & Johnson vehemently denied the claims. But in 2018, a Reuters investigation revealed that Johnson & Johnson knew that its talcum powder contained asbestos as far back as the 1970s. Now, the company faces more than 20,000 lawsuits, and juries have already awarded billions to those who have sued Johnson & Johnson.
Johnson & Johnson Targeted Certain Demographics
But Johnson & Johnson has been under fire for much longer. As concerns about asbestos contamination and cancer risks from their talc-based products rose, Johnson & Johnson began aggressively marketing the product to minorities and overweight women. According to a new Reuters investigation, a 2006 marketing presentation suggested that Johnson & Johnson focus on these demographics as “under developed geographical areas with hot weather, and higher [African American] population.” The presentation went on to say, “Powder is still considered a relevant product among AA consumers. This could be an opportunity.”Over the following years, Johnson & Johnson aggressively targeted these demographics by:
- Sending samples to African American and Hispanic neighborhoods, churches, and beauty salons,
- Running digital and print promotions with Weight Watchers, and
- Launching a $300,000 radio advertising campaign to target “curvy Southern women 18-49 skewing African American.”
Johnson & Johnson used women and minorities to try and increase sales of its talc-based brands. Now thousands of those women may pay the price.If you or a loved one are a long-time user of talcum powder and have cancer, contact the Madeksho Law Firm at 888-910-6376 or through our online form. Your initial consultation is free, and you never pay us a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
