J&J Cleared Over Asbestos Cancer Claims Linked To Talcum

J&J Cleared Over Asbestos Cancer Claims Linked To Talcum

Introduction

Following almost a seven-week long jury trial, Johnson & Johnson was successful in persuading a California jury to dismiss claims made by a woman that the asbestos presence in its talcum baby powder caused her to develop malignant mesothelioma.  

The plaintiff alleged that J&J knew of asbestos fibers in its talc-based products and concealed the risks associated with them. Though the Eureka State Jury agreed the plaintiff was exposed to asbestos-tainted baby powder but reasoned wasn’t a “substantial factor” in causing her cancer.

J&J released a statement in response to its latest win stating, "While we deeply sympathize with anyone suffering from any form of cancer, the science and facts show that her disease was not caused by her use of our talcum-based products". A company spokesperson further said, ''decades of clinical evidence and scientific studies by medical experts around the world support the safety of Johnson’s Baby Powder.”

J&J is also one of the main defendants involved in fighting more than 9,700 talc ovarian cancer lawsuits for several years.