A woman alleges that her use of Johnson & Johnson’s talc baby powder products gave her mesothelioma cancer because of asbestos contamination. Her lawsuit has now gone to trial before a California jury.

The plaintiff, Carolyn W., called an expert witness to the stand: William Longo, a material scientist and electron microscopist. Longo serves as the president of Materials Analytical Services. Longo testified that, using a transmission electron microscope to look at a bottle of Johnson & Johnson talc baby powder from Carolyn’s home, his lab found 11 instances of asbestos.

Longo’s lab used a several-step process to distinguish its findings of actual asbestos from something known as “fibrous talc,” which appears very similar to asbestos, Longo told the jury.

First, they use a liquid denser than talc but less dense than asbestos to spin the talc in a centrifuge and separate the two mineral types. Then, they use an electron microscope identify any fibers with the physical structure of asbestos, and then verify that the composition of the fiber matches that of asbestos.

By using this process, Materials Analytical Services identified 11 asbestos structures, all the specific type known as anthophyllite asbestos.

This is not the first trial over talc powder and asbestos at which Longo has appeared as an expert witness — in fact, he is often seen as a witness in talc asbestos trials.

This is also not the first trial for Carolyn’s talc baby powder lawsuit in particular. The first trial took place back in August and September 2018 before the Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Margaret Oldendorf. Carolyn asked for $29.2 million in compensatory damages and additional punitive damages. However, the judge declared a mistrial after the jurors were unable to reach a decision.

Filing a talc baby powder cancer lawsuit

A growing number of plaintiffs are filing lawsuits over talc baby powder, alleging they were diagnosed with mesothelioma or ovarian cancer as a result of using this powder for an extended period of time. Many adults use baby powder as part of their daily hygiene routine throughout their lives.

Lawsuits allege that Johnson & Johnson was aware its talcum powder was contaminated with asbestos, yet sold the products anyway, without warning consumers of the risk.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or ovarian cancer after exposure to talc powder, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation.

Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by asbestos cancer, 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.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially after diagnosis with cancer, 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.