Thousands of people in the UK are suing Johnson & Johnson, alleging that the company’s talcum powder caused cancer due to asbestos contamination. The lawsuit, filed in the High Court, involves 3,000 claimants and could become the largest product liability case in British history.
The legal claim accuses Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary Kenvue of knowingly selling baby powder contaminated with asbestos since the 1960s. Internal documents cited in the lawsuit suggest that the company was aware of the presence of fibrous minerals like tremolite and actinolite, which are classified as asbestos and linked to cancers such as ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Despite this knowledge, J&J allegedly never issued warnings on packaging and instead marketed the product as pure and safe through aggressive campaigns.
According to court papers, J&J executives discussed methods to remove asbestos fibers but chose to keep the information confidential rather than alert the public. The lawsuit claims that the company pushed for lower sensitivity standards in regulatory testing to avoid detecting small amounts of asbestos. This allowed J&J to maintain claims of product purity while misleading consumers and regulators about the risks, with internal memos from the 1970s indicating efforts to conceal findings.
Johnson & Johnson has denied all allegations, stating that its baby powder was compliant with regulatory standards, did not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer. Kenvue, now handling the consumer health division, emphasized that product safety is backed by years of independent testing. The company is expected to vigorously defend against the claims and may appeal any unfavorable rulings, citing consistent adherence to required norms.
This UK lawsuit mirrors extensive litigation in the United States, where J&J has faced thousands of similar cases. In some US trials, claimants have been awarded billions of dollars in damages, though the company has successfully appealed in others. Recently, a Connecticut court ordered J&J to pay $25 million to a man with mesothelioma, highlighting the ongoing legal battles and the global scale of the issue.
Many claimants in the UK are women who developed ovarian cancer after years of using the powder, such as Siobhan Ryan, 63, from Somerset. She used J&J’s baby powder on her children and was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer, undergoing multiple treatments including chemotherapy and surgery. Her story illustrates the personal toll, with claimants believing their cancers were directly caused by the product they trusted for generations.
Medical experts note that ovarian cancer can be influenced by external factors, and the female reproductive tract is exposed to environmental elements. Prof Christina Fotopoulou explained that any harmful factors disrupting cell balance may contribute to cancer development. Symptoms like persistent bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in urination should prompt medical attention, especially if experienced frequently.
The UK case could seek damages totaling hundreds of millions of pounds, setting a precedent for product liability. Lawyers involved estimate a lengthy legal process, with potential appeals. If successful, it may lead to stricter regulations and increased awareness about product safety in the consumer goods industry, influencing corporate practices worldwide.
Overall, this lawsuit underscores broader concerns about corporate accountability and public health. It may influence how companies handle product risks and communicate with consumers, potentially leading to reforms in safety standards and transparency. The outcome will be closely watched by stakeholders, including regulators and advocacy groups, as it addresses fundamental issues of trust and safety in everyday products.