Johnson & Johnson Aware of Asbestos Risk in Talcum Powder for Decades

According to a recent report, Reuters has found executives at Johnson & Johnson (J&J) have long known the talcum used in the company’s baby powder products contained asbestos—and failed to tell federal regulators for decades. A detailed article on the findings is available here.

The Findings

After examining documents, trial depositions, and testimony; Reuters determined J&J has known since 1971 their raw talc—and the products made from it—tested positive for asbestos. Findings indicate executives, managers, scientists, doctors, and lawyers knew of the problem—yet failed to disclose the information to federal regulators or the public. The report suggests J&J attempted to influence regulations which would limit asbestos in cosmetic products that contain talc—and sway the research on the potentially negative health effects of these products.

The Fallout

Currently, J&J faces numerous lawsuits alleging the talc in their baby powder products has caused plaintiffs to suffer from mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and other related diseases. Earlier this year; a jury in Saint Louis, Missouri awarded $4.9 billion to the families of 22 women who developed ovarian cancer after using J&J talcum powder. The manufacturer plans to appeal the verdict.

The Manufacturer’s Stance

J&J media relations claims attorneys are “out for personal financial gain” and state any suggestion the manufacturer “knew or hid information about the safety of talc” is false.” They add attorneys for these plaintiffs are “distorting historical documents and intentionally creating confusion.” The company continues to insist its products are safe and pure—even in the face of thousands of lawsuits. The full Reuters report can be found here.

We Can Help

If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a dangerous drug, defective medical device, or harmful consumer product; call the experienced North Carolina Defective Product Attorneys at Henson Fuerst today at 919-781-1107 or complete a free initial consultation form.

When you call, you will speak with one of our experienced Raleigh Personal Injury attorneys. They will investigate every detail of your situation at no cost to you—and fight hard to protect your rights. At Henson Fuerst, you will never pay an attorney’s fee up front—and you owe us nothing unless we recover for you.

Call Henson Fuerst, Because Your Case Matters

Location Icon

Raleigh Office

3110 Edwards Mill Rd Suite 100,
Raleigh, NC 27612
P (919) 781-1107
F (919) 781-8048

Rocky Mount Office

2317 Sunset Ave,
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
P (252) 443-2111
F (252) 443-9429

Jacksonville Office

Appointment Only
P (910) 377-7671
Scroll to Top
Skip to content