The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into Johnson & Johnson’s claims that there was no asbestos in talc used in baby powder. This investigation comes after a number of baby powder cancer lawsuits in which the New Jersey-based company has been found liable for causing cancer in plaintiffs who used baby powder and Shower to Shower over the years.

Johnson & Johnson, once the “Most Trusted Brand in America,” has repeatedly claimed that allegations of asbestos in talc used in these products are false. However, evidence from within the company has revealed that their talc may have been contaminated with the deadly mineral.

Now, a federal grand jury is attempting to determine how much Johnson & Johnson actually knew about the cancer risks – and whether or not they actively tried to conceal this information from the public.

How is There Asbestos in Talc?

In fact, asbestos cancer has historically been an occupational risk for talc miners. The reason is that talc and asbestos are formed by similar geologic processes. Although these two minerals have different crystalline structures, they are both naturally occurring silicates and are often found in proximity to one another.

There has also been recent scientific evidence supporting the long-suspected link between talc and ovarian cancer, according to a study published in the journal Reproductive Sciences in February of 2019. Although there has long been a known association, the recently published study demonstrated the actual mechanism by which talc may cause ovarian cells to turn malignant.

Aside from that, a few plaintiffs in talc lawsuits have developed mesothelioma, a particularly painful and deadly form of cancer that attacks the visceral lining. Mesothelioma has only two known causes, the primary one of which is asbestos exposure. In rare cases, the disease can result from exposure to radiation during treatments for other forms of cancer.

Evidence Against J&J

For decades, Johnson & Johnson has insisted that its talc-based products have never contained asbestos. This claim was based on reported safety tests, which the company claims showed no traces of asbestos. However, recent lawsuits against the company have revealed internal memos dating back over 50 years in which company scientists reported finding asbestos in baby powder, warning that it posed a “severe health hazard” and could expose Johnson & Johnson to civil liability.

Since asbestos in talc litigation got underway in 2016, a dozen juries have determined that Johnson & Johnson was aware of asbestos contamination in its talc and failed to warn consumers. So far, plaintiff awards have totaled more than $5 billion. While Johnson & Johnson has filed appeals and continues to defend itself from talc lawsuits, Bloomberg reports that it has set funds aside for legal costs involved in talc litigation. It is estimated that reaching a settlement could cost the company $15 billion.

Read More About Baby Powder & Cancer:

Is There Asbestos in Talcum Powder?

Baby Powder Lawsuits Shine Light on Ovarian Cancer Link

Is Baby Powder Safe? Studies on Baby Powder Danger Suggest No

Woman Alleges Johnson & Johnson Failed to Warn Against Baby Powder and Ovarian Cancer Correlation

Applying Baby Powder May Be Dangerous to Your Health