Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay around $700 million to 42 states and Washington D.C. in talcum powder settlements. The company will issue the massive payout to settle claims that it misled consumers over the safety of its talcum powder products.
According to a report in The Daily Mail, this settlement means the states will no longer pursue a marketing investigation alleging that the pharmaceutical giant covered up links between its baby powder and cancer.
Johnson & Johnson is still facing lawsuits from more than 50,000 people who developed tumors after using the talcum powder, mostly women with ovarian cancer. The company could be forced to pay millions in damages to those victims. J&J, which is based in New Jersey, has admitted no wrongdoing and continues to maintain that its talcum powder was safe and did not contain cancer-causing asbestos.
Talcum Powder Settlements With States
The state of Mississippi, which was one of the plaintiffs in this lawsuit, sued J&J for $6 billion over the 6 million bottles of baby powder sold in the state for 50 years from 1974 without a cancer warning. That amount is based on the state’s $1,000-per-bottle fine system. Money paid as part of the agreement will go to the states to help fund enforcement and regulatory efforts of drugs and other consumer products.
Why Talc is Used in Powder and Cosmetics
Talcum powder, composed of talc, a naturally occurring mineral, has been used in cosmetics for various reasons. Talc has excellent absorbent properties, making it effective at absorbing moisture. In cosmetics, talcum powder is often used to absorb excess oil and sweat on the skin, helping to keep it dry and reduce shine.
Talc also provides a smooth and silky texture, which makes it a popular ingredient in powder-based cosmetics like face powders, eyeshadows, and blushes. It helps these products apply more easily and evenly on the skin. Talcum powder is known for its anti-friction properties. It is used in some body powders and antiperspirants to prevent chafing and irritation, particularly in areas prone to friction. Talc can contribute to the opacity and bulk of certain cosmetic products. It helps create a desirable texture in products like pressed powders and foundations.
Despite its widespread use, there have been ongoing concerns about the safety of talcum powder in cosmetics. Some talc deposits are naturally contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. While cosmetic-grade talc is expected to be asbestos-free, ensuring the purity of talcum powder remains a regulatory and industry concern. These concerns have led to legal challenges and product liability lawsuits against talcum powder manufacturers.
Link Between Talc and Ovarian Cancer
The connection between talcum powder and ovarian cancer has been the subject of significant scientific and legal scrutiny. Talc, a mineral composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen, is commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products, including talcum powder. Some talc deposits may contain asbestos, a known carcinogen.
Studies have explored whether the use of talcum powder in the genital area may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Research suggests a potential association between long-term talcum powder use in the genital region and an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Numerous lawsuits have been filed against talcum powder manufacturers, including Johnson & Johnson, alleging that the use of their talc-based products contributed to the development of ovarian cancer in some individuals. In some cases, courts have awarded substantial damages to plaintiffs while the scientific community continues to investigate the potential link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer.
These latest talcum powder settlements show the weight of these cases.
Talcum Powder Lawsuits
Many lawsuits are being brought by women who allege they developed ovarian cancer due to long-term talc use or people who were diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer around the heart that can be caused by inhaling toxic asbestos. One such plaintiff was 56-year-old Lora Stahl of Nebraska, who said she had to have a hysterectomy after baby powder caused her ovarian cancer. She was diagnosed with stage two ovarian cancer at the age of 35. Doctors had to remove her uterus, cervix, and ovaries to stop the cancer from spreading. In Stahl’s case, she said she was traumatized by the fact that she could not have children anymore.
Another claimant, 24-year-old Emory Valadez of California, said he developed mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer, because of talcum powder exposure since childhood. A judge awarded him $18.8 million in damages for medical bills, pain, and suffering, even though he is unlikely to live long enough to receive that compensation. Mesothelioma patients are typically given 18 months to live after their diagnosis.
Johnson & Johnson Cover-Up Concerns
J&J is also facing action from shareholders who allege that the company concealed its knowledge of its talcum powder containing cancer-causing asbestos for six years – between 2013 and 2018. Studies have connected talc and cancer as early as 1971. A study published in 1982 also found that women who used talcum powder had twice the risk of ovarian cancer. With mounting lawsuits, J&J stopped sales of its talcum powder in 2023 and maintained that there was too much “misinformation” over the safety of its products.
Despite halting sales, the lawsuits are still coming. The talcum powder settlements with states across the U.S. only represent one part of the litigation efforts against J&J, with many more individuals hoping to seek justice.
Justice for Victims and Families
Our product defect law firm represents a number of people who have suffered the adverse health effects of talcum powder. We believe that Johnson & Johnson sold these dangerous talcum powder products in spite of significant evidence that talc has been linked to cancer. We will not rest until our clients get justice for their tremendous losses and until Johnson & Johnson is held accountable. Our team has decades of experience in handling product liability claims, including fighting for talcum powder settlements and representing our clients in court. If you or a loved one has suffered adverse health effects as a result of these products, please contact an experienced product defect attorney who can provide more information about how you can pursue your legal rights.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12996667/J-J-agrees-resolve-42-U-S-states-talc-investigations.html
