Johnson & Johnson Discontinues Sales of Talc Products

Multinational pharmaceutical giant, Johnson & Johnson, has recently decided to discontinue sales of products containing talc throughout North America, including its famous baby powder.  By some, this is seen as a major concession by Johnson & Johnson, which for years has vigorously defended lawsuits throughout the country. 

Plaintiffs in those lawsuits allege that talc products contaminated with asbestos cause ovarian cancer in women who used the baby powder as a hygiene product. Documents disclosed in litigation revealed that the company has had concerns about the possibility of asbestos contamination in its talc-based products for at least 50 years, but made no effort to warn consumers. 

What is talc?

Talc is a mineral that, when mined, can be contaminated with asbestos, because the two minerals can be intermixed while underground.  Asbestos is a known carcinogen and has been connected to ovarian cancer since 1958. 

Johnson & Johnson sold talc-based baby powder for decades while knowing the risks

In 1980, after consumer groups brought public attention to the potential contamination, Johnson & Johnson developed an alternative powder using corn starch, instead of talc.  Yet, it continued to market and sell the talc-based powder in North America and still made no effort to warn consumers of the potential cancer link. 

Even with the latest announcement, Johnson & Johnson will still allow retailers to sell existing bottles of the talc-based product until they run out. Also, the company will continue to sell talc-based products in other countries outside of North America.  Johnson & Johnson further announced in connection with the decision that it will continue to defend its product in court proceedings throughout the U.S. 

Talc cancer lawsuits in the United States

Johnson & Johnson faces over 19,000 lawsuits over sales of talc-based products across the country.  Several cases have already been decided, including one in which a jury awarded $4.7 billion to a group of 22 women in 2018.  That case, and several others that resulted in judgments against Johnson & Johnson, are on appeal. 

Evidence showing Johnson & Johnson’s knew of the dangers of talc and made efforts to hide the connection from the public have prompted not only lawsuits, but investigations by the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and state regulators in New Mexico and Mississippi. 

While Johnson & Johnson was by far the largest producer of talc-based baby powder in the United States, several other companies continue to manufacture and sell products containing talc.  It remains to be seen whether any or all of those companies will follow Johnson & Johnson’s lead and discontinue the production of this dangerous product. 

Have you developed cancer from talcum powder? Contact us today.

If you have questions about the connection between talc and cancer, or if you have been injured by this harmful product, contact our attorneys today to explore your legal options. We will meet with you personally.

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