Johnson & Johnson is under fire after the company was accused of exposing consumers to asbestos-containing talcum powder products, leading to an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. The accusations come after several recent court cases in which people have claimed that the use of talc-based products from Johnson & Johnson caused them to develop the rare and deadly form of cancer.
The allegations first came to light in July of 2018, when a jury in California awarded a woman $417 million after she claimed that her mesothelioma was caused by her use of Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products. This case was followed by two other verdicts in Missouri in which juries awarded victims of mesothelioma a total of $117 million.
The plaintiffs in all three cases alleged that Johnson & Johnson had been aware for decades that its talc-based products contained asbestos fibers. They argued that Johnson & Johnson failed to warn consumers of this known carcinogen, and as a result, people who used the products were exposed to asbestos.
The verdicts have been seen as a major victory for mesothelioma victims and their families. Johnson & Johnson, however, has denied the allegations and is currently appealing the verdicts. The company has argued that its products are safe and do not contain asbestos.
Regardless of the outcome of the appeals, these recent cases have put a spotlight on the alleged dangers of talcum powder. This has led to more people becoming aware of the potential risks of using these products, and the importance of reading labels carefully and being aware of any potential warning signs.
It remains to be seen whether or not Johnson & Johnson will ultimately be held responsible for the alleged asbestos exposure, but these cases have certainly put the company under the microscope. As more victims of mesothelioma come forward with similar stories, it’s likely that this issue will continue to be closely watched.