1 month ago
J&J to Pay Billions Over Talc Cancer Claims
Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay a lot of money to people who say the company’s baby powder caused them cancer.
The powder had tiny bits of asbestos, which can make people sick.
Scientists say that talc can be a cancer risk, but studies don’t show a big danger for most users.
The company stopped selling the old powder in 2020 in the US and Canada and in 2023 everywhere, switching to a corn‑based powder that can’t have asbestos.
Doctors say people who used the powder for a long time don’t need to panic, but they should pick products that are clearly safe and avoid using powder on broken skin or babies.
Johnson & Johnson will pay billions to settle lawsuits claiming its talc products caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
The company stopped selling talc‑based baby powder in the US and Canada in 2020 and worldwide in 2023, replacing it with a cornstarch formulation.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies talc (without asbestos) as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A) for ovarian cancer, but prospective studies show no significant risk increase.
Contamination with asbestos depends on the mine of origin; current tests lack sensitivity and no standardized testing exists.
Experts advise long‑term users need not panic, but consumers should choose traceable, asbestos‑free products and avoid use on broken or sensitive skin.
- Who
- Johnson & Johnson and consumers who used its talc products
- What
- Settlement of billions to resolve lawsuits alleging talc caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma
- Where
- United States, Canada, and worldwide
- When
- 2024
- Why
- Allegations that talc products were contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen
Key facts
- Settlement amount
- Billions of dollars
- Company
- Johnson & Johnson
- Product
- Talc-based baby powder
- Regulatory action
- Stopped sales in US/Canada (2020) and globally (2023)
- Scientific classification
- IARC Group 2A – probably carcinogenic to humans
Quotes
Dr Gauravi Mishra
Deputy Director, Centre for Cancer Epidemiology, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai
““Talc is not a reason for panic but it is also not an indispensable personal care product. Given the remaining uncertainty, the prudent approach is to choose a traceable, talc‑free product where a powder is genuinely needed.””
indianexpress.com
““Contamination of talc with asbestos is, therefore, dependent on the mine of origin and the rigour of ore screening, and is not an inherent property of the consumer talc product itself.””
indianexpress.com
Sources
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