Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer:
How Much Did Companies Know?
Until recently, Johnson & Johnson had a squeaky-clean image. Once best known for its well-loved baby powder, the company rode all that consumer goodwill to more than $94 billion in revenue in 2022. Now, the company sells healthcare products and pharmaceuticals and offers related services. But behind the sweet-smelling image, Johnson & Johnson tried hiding a link between its talc products, asbestos and ovarian cancer.
Talc and Asbestos
Talc is a soft mineral often found in deposits close to asbestos, another soft, fibrous mineral. As a result, it’s possible for talc mined near asbestos deposits to be contaminated with this known carcinogen. The earliest mentions of Johnson & Johnson talc products contaminated with asbestos come from a consulting lab in the late 1950s. The report described talc coming from J&J’s Italian supplier as “tremolite,” one of six minerals classified as asbestos in their naturally occurring fibrous form. Although J&J’s records contain mentions of contaminated talc from the 1950s through the 2000s, the company did nothing.
Talcum Powder and Cancer
Johnson & Johnson has consistently denied claims that its talc products contained asbestos. However, in 2018, the New York Times and Reuters published investigations revealing Johnson & Johnson knew about possible asbestos contamination for decades. The company did nothing to fix the problem until they got sued. Then, Johnson & Johnson removed all their talcum powder products from the market, replacing them with other ingredients. Although the company continues to deny any liability, it faces more than 60,000 lawsuits and $3.5 billion in legal liability from consumers with ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
You Need the Madeksho Law Firm
If you’re a long-time talcum powder product user (even if it's not Johnson & Johnson talcum powder) and facing a cancer diagnosis, give us a call. We’ve been protecting victims of asbestos exposure and fighting for the rights of consumers for since 1972. Find out how we can help you. Call us at 1-888-910-6376 or contact us online. The consultation is free, and you don’t pay a dime unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
