For decades, baby powder has been a staple in many households, used for its moisture-absorbing properties and fresh scent. However, investigations have uncovered a disturbing link between talc-based baby powder and asbestos contamination, raising serious health concerns. In this article, we explore the health risks of asbestos in baby powder and the lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson.
If you or a loved one developed cancer after using Johnson’s Baby Powder®, you could be eligible for compensation in a talcum powder lawsuit. Contact Rueb Stoller Daniel today for a free consultation.
Health Risks of Asbestos in Baby Powder
Asbestos contamination in talc-based baby powder has been linked to several severe health conditions, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and talcosis.
Lung Cancer
Asbestos exposure is a known risk factor for lung cancer. When asbestos-contaminated talc is inhaled, microscopic fibers can become lodged in the lungs, causing inflammation and cellular damage over time. This prolonged irritation can lead to the development of lung cancer, often decades after the initial exposure. The risk of lung cancer from asbestos exposure is significantly higher in smokers, creating an effect that multiplies the danger.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) but can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma).
Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, and even small amounts can lead to this deadly cancer.
Ovarian Cancer
The use of talc-based baby powder in the genital area has been associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. When applied to this sensitive area, asbestos-contaminated talc particles may travel through the reproductive system and become embedded in the ovarian tissue.
Over time, these particles can cause inflammation and cellular changes that may lead to the development of ovarian cancer. This risk has been the subject of numerous lawsuits against talcum powder manufacturers.
Talcosis or Talc Pneumoconiosis
Talcosis, also known as talc pneumoconiosis, is a lung disease caused by the inhalation of talc particles. While pure talc itself can cause this condition, the presence of asbestos in talc significantly increases the risk and severity of talcosis.
Symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, and decreased lung function. In severe cases, talcosis can lead to progressive pulmonary fibrosis, significantly impacting quality of life and potentially leading to respiratory failure.
If you developed serious health problems or lost a family member, you may be able to file a talcum powder lawsuit.
Asbestos-Contaminated Talcum Powder and Cancer: The Research
There has been extensive research into whether talcum powder causes cancer. Studies have consistently shown a correlation between talc use and increased cancer risk, particularly for ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified talc with asbestos as “carcinogenic to humans” and the use of talc-based body powder in the genital area as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
Baby Powder and Ovarian Cancer
According to the National Center for Health Research, women who use talcum powder are about 30% more likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer than women who don’t use talc powder. The link between baby powder and ovarian cancer is backed by multiple studies, including papers from Epidemiology and Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
A May 2024 report in the Journal of Clinical Oncology analyzed a study of more than 50,000 women and found an increased risk of ovarian cancer in those who used talcum powder heavily.
Baby Powder and Mesothelioma
Research has also revealed a concerning link between mesothelioma and talcum powder. A 2023 study in the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology presented 166 cases of mesothelioma among people with significant exposure to asbestos through cosmetic talc powder. In 122 cases, talcum powder was the only known source of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos in Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder
Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder has been at the center of the controversy surrounding asbestos contamination in talc products. The company has faced numerous allegations and lawsuits claiming that its baby powder contained asbestos and caused cancer in long-term users.
A 2018 Reuters report uncovered that Johnson & Johnson knew about asbestos in baby powder for decades and concealed the information. The report revealed how internal company records, trial testimony, and other evidence show that from at least 1971 to the early 2000s, J&J’s raw talc and finished powders sometimes tested positive for small amounts of asbestos.
Talc-Based Baby Powder Recalled and Discontinued
In October 2019, Johnson & Johnson recalled 33,000 bottles of baby powder after the FDA found small amounts of asbestos in a tested sample.
In May 2020, the company announced it would stop selling its talc-based baby powder in the United States and Canada. Johnson & Johnson stopped selling talc-based baby powder worldwide in 2023, switching to a cornstarch-based formulation. J&J has defended its talcum powder products and claimed the choice to discontinue sales was based on business considerations.
Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuit Updates
Johnson & Johnson has been flooded with baby powder cancer lawsuits and paid billions in settlements and jury verdicts. At the start of January 2025, the company faced more than 58,000 lawsuits.
Johnson & Johnson has made several attempts to resolve talcum powder litigation using bankruptcy proceedings by subsidiary companies. In September 2024, J&J increased a proposed baby powder ovarian cancer settlement to over $9 billion. A subsidiary of J&J filed for bankruptcy as part of the settlement strategy.
Here are some noteworthy verdicts and settlements:
- In July 2018, a Missouri jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $4.7 billion to 22 women who alleged that the company’s talc products caused their ovarian cancer. This verdict was later reduced to $2.1 billion on appeal but still represented a significant victory for the plaintiffs.
- In May 2019, a California jury awarded $25 million to a woman who claimed that J&J’s talcum powder products caused her mesothelioma.
- In October 2019, a California jury awarded $40.3 million to a woman who alleged that Johnson’s Baby Powder caused her to develop mesothelioma.
- In June 2023, a 24-year-old California man was awarded $18.8 million after developing cancer from baby powder.
- In June 2024, J&J agreed to a $700 million settlement with 43 states and the District of Columbia over allegations that the company misled consumers about the safety of its talcum powder products.
- In October 2024, a Connecticut jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $14 million to a man diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Stricter Testing and Safer Alternatives
In 2023, Congress passed legislation requiring the FDA to address safety concerns over asbestos in talcum powder products. On December 26, 2024, the FDA announced a proposed rule that would require companies to test for asbestos in cosmetic products containing talc using specific methods. Alternatively, companies could obtain a certificate about asbestos-contamination testing from talc suppliers.
Some advocacy groups have called for a ban on talc. Meanwhile, many consumers are seeking safer alternatives to talcum baby powder.
Contact Rueb Stoller Daniel for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one has faced health issues related to asbestos in baby powder, don’t wait to seek legal counsel. Our team at Rueb Stoller Daniel is dedicated in helping people affected by asbestos-contaminated talcum powder seek justice. Our team understands the complexities of these cases and can guide you through the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation by calling 1-866-CALL-RSD or completing our online form.
