At the beginning of her mesothelioma trial against Johnson & Johnson, a California woman opened by claiming before the jury that the pharmaceutical giant’s baby powder has been contaminated with dangerous asbestos in talc.

The plaintiff, Pui “Amy” F., alleges that she has used J&J’s baby powder product for decades, for herself and for her children. She has since been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a lung-lining cancer that is primarily linked with exposure to asbestos.

Amy’s lawyer told the jury in the opening of the trial that Johnson & Johnson’s talc came from mines in Vermont and South Korea, and claimed that the talc was contaminated by the time consumers had it.

The trial began just a few days after Johnson & Johnson recalled a batch of its baby powder after federal regulators found asbestos in talc. This recall affected around 33,000 bottles of its talcum powder.

The recall was voluntary, the company said, and came in response to a test from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that showed the presence of sub-trace amounts of chrysotile asbestos. Due to the recall, companies like Walmart, CVS, and Rite Aid have pulled Johnson & Johnson baby powder products off of its shelves.

Johnson & Johnson maintains that its baby powder products are safe. As for Amy’s claims, the company countered that her cancer was caused by exposure to asbestos during her childhood in Hong Kong. Amy spent her youth in Hong Kong and moved to the U.S. at age 13.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos

is a fibrous silicate mineral that for decades was used in construction and insulation materials. In the last few decades, it has become increasingly apparent that exposure to asbestos poses a risk of cancer. Organizations like the World Health Organization have classified asbestos a human carcinogen—that is, capable of causing cancer in humans—and the use of asbestos is now heavily regulated.

Filing a Talcum Powder Asbestos Cancer Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer after exposure to asbestos in talc powder, such as Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder products, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by a cancer diagnosis, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Pursuing litigation can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

The Asbestos in Talc Lawsuit is Case No. BC675449, in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles.