Allegations About Asbestos Contamination Lead Johnson & Johnson to Stop Selling Talcum Powder in the United States and Canada
In a statement made on May 19, 2020, Johnson & Johnson (J & J) announced that it would stop selling its talcum powder (also called baby powder) in the United States and Canada. According to a Business Insider report, J & J claims that “misinformation” about the safety of its product’s safety has led to a drastic decline in demand. Its talcum powder, which was at one time J & J’s self- proclaimed “#1 Asset”, now represents a mere 0.5% of its United States consumer health business.
Cancer Lawsuits Continue Despite J & J’s Decision to Stop Selling Talcum Powder
Despite J & J’s vigorous defense of the safety of their talcum powder, thousands of individuals and families have filed lawsuits against it. These lawsuits allege the talcum powder contains asbestos that, when inhaled or absorbed by the body, can (and has) resulted in cancer. Nearly 20,000 lawsuits have been filed, each containing similar allegations about talcum powder causing cancer, including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
Congressional Investigation Reveals J & J Knew Talcum Powder Contains Asbestos
J & J also faces allegations that it has known for decades its talcum powder contained asbestos and that it engaged in a purposeful campaign to prevent that information from becoming public. In addition to facing such claims in the lawsuits, J & J has been the subject of a federal criminal investigation about “how forthright” it has been about its talcum powder’s safety. The safety of J & J’s talcum powder has also been the subject of investigations in more than 40 states.
A Congressional subcommittee investigating the health risks of consumer products that contain talc praised J & J’s decision. US Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, who led the subcommittee’s investigation, called it a “major victory for public health.”
The congressman from Illinois stated, “My subcommittee’s 14-month investigation revealed that Johnson & Johnson knew for decades that its product contains asbestos.”
Thousands of Plaintiffs Have Sued Johnson and Johnson Claiming Talcum Powder Caused their Cancer
Litigation against J & J continues. There are nearly 20 thousand talcum powder cancer cases against J & J In 2018, 22 women who alleged talcum powder caused their ovarian cancer received a jury verdict of over 4.5 billion dollars. J & J has appealed that verdict and feels confident it will be overturned, but there is no decision yet.
The company continues to defend the safety of its talcum powder products. It assures consumers that the decision to stop selling the product in the US and Canada is strictly an economic one. In a statement, the company said that economic decline, however, is due to a change in consumer purchasing habits part of which has been “fueled by misinformation around the safety of the product and a constant barrage of litigation advertising.”
The decision to stop selling talcum powder will not end the litigation facing J & J. Just last month, a New Jersey Judge ruled that thousands of Plaintiffs who claim J & J’s talcum powder caused their cancers can proceed with their cases.
Asbestos is a Known Carcinogen
Asbestos is a carcinogen. According to the American Cancer Society, asbestos can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and cancer of the larynx. The World Health Organization, the National Toxicology Program, and the Us Environmental Protection Agency all recognize and classify asbestos as a “human carcinogen.” It is known to cause cancer in humans and has been the subject of litigation for decades.
Asbestos removal from old buildings has been an ongoing project since the 1970s. Manufacturers stopped selling many consumer products containing asbestos years ago in the interest of public health and safety. If you developed ovarian cancer, lung cancer or mesothelioma after using talcum powder, it could be because of asbestos contamination.
Contact our Talcum Powder Cancer Lawyers to Find Out if You Have a Claim
Our lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP, are reviewing cases and interviewing potential clients who might be eligible to file lawsuits against J & J. If you regularly used talcum powder and developed mesothelioma or ovarian cancer, call our office today. We will gladly provide you with a free evaluation or your talcum powder cancer claim. You can reach our experienced talcum powder lawyers at 800-403-6191.
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