In the latest talc and asbestos cancer lawsuit to go to trial, a New York jury  has awarded $25 million to a woman who developed mesothelioma following decades of using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products.

Filed in New York City in 2017, the talc and asbestos cancer lawsuit claimed the plaintiff used Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and Shower to Shower powder on a near daily basis from the age of 8 until after she was married.

This constant exposure reportedly caused her to develop mesothelioma, a rare form of respiratory cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

In contrast to typical lung cancer, mesothelioma manifests in the membrane that surrounds the lungs and is specifically caused by scarring from asbestos fibers. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, it can cause scarring in the lungs or stomach and can eventually result in cancer.

While mesothelioma is more commonly associated with asbestos exposure, a number of women have been coming forward alleging Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products contained asbestos and caused them to develop the disease, according to the American Cancer Society.

This was reportedly the case for this plaintiff, who with her husband was awarded damages from J&J for the permanent impact its products have had on the couple’s quality of life and marriage. The claimant received damages for medical bills, lost wages, and the continuous pain and suffering of living with mesothelioma.

In addition to the $25 million in compensatory damages, jurors may  decide to award further punitive damages.

Talc and Asbestos Cancer Connection

The reported correlation between talc and asbestos cancer has been observed in several studies and alleged in numerous lawsuits. In its natural form, talc contains asbestos, but this has not come under fire until recently. In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a small survey of talc-based cosmetics, including baby powder, and concluded they contained asbestos.

However, the FDA stated that while the results are informative, “they do not prove that most or all talc or talc-containing cosmetic products currently marketed in the United States are likely to be free of asbestos contamination.”

In contrast, Health Canada evaluated the potential correlation between talc products and various health concerns in December 2018. The agency reportedly issued a draft report that concluded that using talcum powder in the genital area could increase the risk of ovarian cancer in women. 

It is important to note that the FDA does not currently require companies to provide safety information on cosmetic products, which means consumers must rely on the marketing statements and product information provided by the company.

Johnson & Johnson is currently facing an estimated 14,000 talcum powder cancer lawsuits alleging their talc products can cause several cancers, including mesothelioma.

Throughout the country, juries have ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay more than $5 billion in compensatory and punitive damages to dozens of claimants who alleged that they developed mesothelioma or ovarian cancer from using the company’s talcum powder products.