PKSD Newsletter: Reuters Report Claims Johnson & Johnson Covered Up Cancer Risk of Baby Powder

In the February 2019 edition of the PKSD Newsletter, You Should Know, we discuss a recent investigation by Reuters about Johnson & Johnson and whether the company knew about the risk of cancer from its baby powder product. Reuters argues the manufacturer might have known and covered up the cancer risks for decades.

This month’s newsletter includes a timeline showing when the company found evidence linking baby powder to cancer, along with a list of substitutes for the product.

Lawsuits Over Baby Powder

Approximately 12,000 people suffering from cervical cancer and mesothelioma have filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, claiming their illnesses were caused by exposure to asbestos in talc in talcum powder products.

Over the summer, 22 women with ovarian cancer were successful in their lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, as a jury awarded them a total of $4.69 billion in damages.

Timeline on What Johnson & Johnson Knew

As far back as 1957, there was evidence that talc used in Johnson & Johnson products contained asbestos. A consulting lab discovered tremolite, which is one of just six minerals that has been classified as asbestos.

In 1973, an internal memo came out in which Johnson & Johnson admitted to taking action to influence an independent study of the health of talc miners conducted by the U.S. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.

Alternatives to Talc Products

Something people may not know is that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require approval of cosmetic products before they can go on the market. This is why it is so important for consumers to do research about the products they are using and the risks involved.

Some of the products besides baby powder that may contain talc include eye shadows, shower products and vitamins.

There are alternatives to baby powder, such as baby powder made with cornstarch or kaolin clay.  

Read this month’s newsletter for more information about the Reuters investigation of Johnson & Johnson. If you have questions about your legal rights after suffering an injury from a defective or dangerous product, contact our Milwaukee defective product lawyers today.

Call 877-877-2228 or fill out a Free Case Evaluation form.