Written By: Devin Golden
Talc and Mesothelioma
Talc, if it contains asbestos, can cause mesothelioma Asbestos is the only proven cause of mesothelioma. The toxic fiber can contaminate talc baby powder and beauty products without the user knowing.
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
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Important Facts About Talc and Mesothelioma
- Talc is a naturally occurring mineral. While there is not any definitive evidence that talc can cause cancer, it can be contaminated with another mineral called asbestos, which is dangerous and can cause cancer.
- The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos. Sharp fibers break off and can be inhaled or swallowed. They can irritate cell linings and cause cells to mutate, turning into a tumor.
- Talc was the main ingredient in several popular health and cosmetic items, including the popular Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder. Manufacturers ground the mineral into a powder. This powder was applied to the skin of children, along with some adults, to absorb moisture and keep skin dry and healthy.
- Many cancer victims blame Johnson & Johnson for their diagnosis and exposing them to talc contaminated with asbestos. Johnson & Johnson faces tens of thousands of cancer lawsuits, and other companies that used talc to make talcum powder products also face lawsuits from mesothelioma patients.
What Is Talc?
Talc is a soft, naturally occurring mineral found throughout the country. It’s usually green, white, gray or brown and is comprised mainly of three elements: magnesium, silicon and oxygen.
Talc is often made into a powder, which is called talcum powder. When crushed into a powder, the substance can absorb moisture, oils, odors and other infectants. These properties keep your skin dry and prevent rashes.
How Does Asbestos Contaminate Talc?
Asbestos, like talc, is a naturally occurring silicate mineral found underground and in many of the same geographic areas as talc. Asbestos and talc often are neighbors in the earth’s soil.
According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the two substances are usually found close enough to one another that without careful mining procedures they can mix. When talc is mined, there’s a high probability of asbestos contamination. The International Agency for Research on Cancer labels asbestos-containing talc as a cancerous material for humans.
Key Reasons for Contamination
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Close Location | Talc and asbestos form in the same areas |
| Similar Appearance | Both look like fine, white or gray powder |
| Mining Techniques | Mining may not remove all asbestos fibers |
| Testing Limitations | Older methods may miss some contamination |
Contaminated talc may end up being used in products like talcum powder if not tested fully. In the past, some companies did not always check every batch for asbestos contamination.
Evidence of Asbestos in Talc
A 2020 study by the FDA revealed how frequently asbestos contaminates talc-based cosmetic commodities. Approximately 23% of the items tested included detectable asbestos.
The Environmental Working Group conducted its own tests and found asbestos in 15% of talc products. Two of the numerous products found to contain asbestos were eye shadow palettes and one was a children’s toy makeup kit.
The eye shadow palette product names were 120 Colors Eyeshadow Palette; and Beauty Glazed Gorgeous Me Eye Shadow Tray Palette. The children’s product was Princess Girl’s All-in-One Deluxe Makeup Palette.
The FDA is considering wide-scale changes to how it tests for asbestos in talc cosmetics. In 2017, the agency formed a task force dedicated to analyzing how the FDA currently tests — and where to make improvements. The task force issued recommendations in 2020 for updating and enhancing testing methods, including what level of asbestos poses a risk to consumers.
How Long Has Talc Been in Cosmetics?
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in cosmetics for thousands of years. Evidence of talc in cosmetics dates back to the era of Ancient Egyptians, which ended in 30 B.C.
More evidence shows talc as an ingredient for cosmetics in the 19th century, and this practice continued until the 21st century. Scientists did not discover the link between talc and asbestos — and talc and cancer — until the 1970s.
Johnson & Johnson is the most well-known cosmetic and health care brand associated with using talc in products, and the company has been sued by consumers who developed deadly cancers for exposing them to asbestos.
Ancient Egypt
The Egyptians used talc as a face powder and eye makeup base.
19th Century
Talc became a popular ingredient in baby powder, face powder and other makeup.
20th Century
Talcum powder became a staple in beauty routines worldwide, used for setting makeup, freshening up after a workout, and more.
1970s
Findings of asbestos in talc, and talc in ovarian tumor tissue, led to public controversy.
1982
Harvard University professor Daniel Cramer discovered that women who used talc for intimate care were three times more likely to get ovarian cancer.
2018
A court in St. Louis awarded $4.7 billion to 22 women against J&J, concluding that the company suppressed evidence of asbestos in its products.
2020
Johnson & Johnson stopped sales of its talcum-based baby powder.
Ancient Egypt
The Egyptians used talc as a face powder and eye makeup base.
19th Century
Talc became a popular ingredient in baby powder, face powder and other makeup.
20th Century
Talcum powder became a staple in beauty routines worldwide, used for setting makeup, freshening up after a workout, and more.
1970s
Findings of asbestos in talc, and talc in ovarian tumor tissue, led to public controversy.
1982
Harvard University professor Daniel Cramer discovered that women who used talc for intimate care were three times more likely to get ovarian cancer.
2018
A court in St. Louis awarded $4.7 billion to 22 women against J&J, concluding that the company suppressed evidence of asbestos in its products.
2020
Johnson & Johnson stopped sales of its talcum-based baby powder.
Health Risks of Asbestos in Talcum Powder
Asbestos in talcum powder can lead to serious health issues. The most important problems are linked to breathing in asbestos fibers and increased risks of certain cancers.
Inhalation During Daily Use
When talcum powder contains asbestos, tiny fibers may be released into the air. People can then breathe in these fibers during normal use, particularly if they use large amounts or apply it around the face. Inhaling asbestos is dangerous because the fibers can stay in the lungs for a long time.
Over time, these fibers may damage lung tissue. This can lead to conditions like lung cancer and asbestosis, a lung disease caused by asbestos exposure. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies asbestos as a known human carcinogen. This means it can cause cancer in humans. According to the American Cancer Society, no level of asbestos exposure is considered safe.
Mesothelioma and Ovarian Cancer Links
Exposure to asbestos-contaminated talcum powder has been linked to two main types of cancer: mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Even a low level of exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of mesothelioma. People who used talcum powder regularly may be at higher risk.
Research also shows a possible link between talcum powder use in the genital area and ovarian cancer. When asbestos is present in talc, fibers can travel through the reproductive system and reach the ovaries. The American Cancer Society states there is growing concern about this route of exposure. Both IARC and other health groups have marked asbestos as carcinogenic, meaning it is a substance that causes cancer.
Science of How Talc Causes Mesothelioma
Contaminated talc causes mesothelioma due to loose asbestos fibers entering your body and irritating cells in specific locations. This results in cellular mutation, which forms tumors.
Asbestos is a proven carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer and other diseases. The substance includes microscopic fibers that, when disturbed, can enter the air. These fibers can be inhaled or ingested, both of which could result in mesothelioma forming.
When people use a talc product that includes asbestos fibers, the loose dust can be inhaled or ingested into the body. The fibers are sharp, and they can puncture the thin lining near either your lung or abdominal cavity.
Studies Confirm Connection Between Talc and Mesothelioma
TIME magazine reported on a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. This study analyzed 33 mesothelioma patients with one shared trait: All of them had the cancer despite talc powder being their only known exposure to asbestos.
The authors of the study then highlighted six individuals who “underwent tissue testing that showed fibers consistent with the type of asbestos found in cosmetic talc, but not in things like building supplies and insulation,” according to the TIME article.
Therefore, the researchers ruled out other methods, such as occupational asbestos exposure or a secondhand source.
A second study, which was published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, analyzed the connection between cosmetic talc and mesothelioma. The researchers found 75 people whose only known asbestos exposure was from asbestos-contaminated talc.
Who Is Affected By Talc and Mesothelioma?
Women, in particular, are most at risk of mesothelioma after using a talc item. Mesothelioma is a concern for women because they’re likely to use talc-based cosmetic products, either on themselves or their children.
In both of the aforementioned studies, women comprised the vast majority of cases.
Combining the two reports, there were 108 cases of mesothelioma from exposure to talc cosmetics. Of those cases, 90 were women.
Dr. Jacqueline Moline, of the Hofstra School of Medicine, said the study “suggests that cosmetic talcum powder use may help explain the high prevalence of idiopathic mesothelioma cases, particularly among women.”
Products Commonly Associated With Asbestos-Contaminated Talc
Talcum powder can sometimes contain traces of asbestos because both minerals are found close together in the earth. Certain personal care and cosmetic items have been linked to asbestos contamination in talc-based products.
Baby Powder
Baby powder is one of the most well-known products made with talc. Several popular brands have used talc as the main ingredient because it absorbs moisture and helps prevent rashes. However, when talc is not carefully tested, it may be contaminated with asbestos fibers.
There have been lawsuits and recalls related to asbestos found in some baby powder products. Testing by independent labs and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has occasionally detected asbestos in samples of talc-based baby powders. Some manufacturers now sell cornstarch-based powders instead, which do not carry the same risk.
Key Facts About Talc Baby Powder
| Brand | Type | Risk of Asbestos | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson’s | Talc-based | Reported cases | Phased out in U.S. |
| Generic brands | Talc-based | Possible risk | Check ingredients |
| Johnson’s | Cornstarch | No asbestos risk | Still available |
Cosmetic and Hygiene Products
Many cosmetic and hygiene products have used cosmetic talc. Items like face powders, blush, eyeshadow, and even deodorants often list talc as a main component. These powders can become airborne during use, and if they contain asbestos, users may inhale the fibers.
Studies and government reports have found asbestos in some cosmetic products, especially those targeted at younger users. For example, a few toy makeup kits and low-cost brands tested in recent years were found to have contaminated talc. Major retailers have recalled products after learning about test results.
Not all talc-based cosmetic products contain asbestos, but labeling is not always clear. Consumers can look for products labeled as asbestos-free or choose talc-free alternatives for added safety.
Talc Products That Can Cause Mesothelioma
Numerous everyday products list talc as one of the ingredients. These products are the culprit in talc and mesothelioma having a connection.
According to various online sources and published news articles, the goods include:
- Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder
- Johnson & Johnson’s Shower to Shower Powder
- Degree Men Antiperspirant and Deodorant
- Centrum Multivitamins, and other supplements
- Chanel after-shower health and beauty powders
- Avon powder products
- Walgreens Aspirin 81
- Chewing gum
- Food processing
- Talcum powder used in barbershops (to reduce irritation on the neck or face)
- Various cosmetics (lipstick, mascara, face powder, blush, eye shadow or even children’s makeup)
According to a New York Times article from 2018, talc was even used to make condoms and surgical gloves.
Using talc to make cosmetics was a standard practice for nearly all of the 20th century. In the 1990s, the FDA requested manufacturers to stop using talc for these products due to health concerns. Some organizations even found the mineral in children’s crayons and other toys.
In 1976, the New York Times reported that 10 out of the 19 talc-based body and baby powders tested included asbestos fibers. Specifically, the researchers found the fibers mixed in the talcum powder.
The 10 brand-name products contaminated with asbestos were:
- ZBT Baby Powder with Baby Oil
- Cashmere Bouquet Body Talc
- Coty Airspun Face Powder
- Rosemary Talc
- Bauer & Black Baby Talc
- Faberge Brut Talc
- Yardley Invisible Talc
- Yardley Black Label Baby Powder
- Mennen Shave Talc
- English Leather After-Shave Talc
Talc is still a primary ingredient in many products. The New York Times states brands may list talc under various names, including:
- Talcum
- Talcum powder
- Cosmetic talc
- Magnesium silicate
Johnson & Johnson Talc and Mesothelioma
Johnson & Johnson is the brand most connected to asbestos in talc. The company recalled its popular Baby Powder product due to allegations of asbestos contamination. Activist organizations and successful lawsuits forced Johnson & Johnson to address the issues, and the company’s decision affirms the power of activism and victims’ courage in pursuing litigation.
The U.S. Justice Department opened a criminal investigation against Johnson & Johnson in 2019, according to Bloomberg. The company’s baby powder and other talc products were at the center. Investigators wanted to know if the company misled or lied to the public about the talc items being safe.
While the company has repeatedly denied that its talc products contain asbestos, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency both did tests on samples of the product and found traces of asbestos. Johnson & Johnson also recalled 33,000 bottles of the product for evidence of asbestos contamination.
Johnson & Johnson no longer manufactures and sells its talc Baby Powder product. It stopped the sale of the product in the U.S. and Canada in 2020 and a few years later stopped it worldwide. The company now sells a talc-free version of baby powder.
FDA Testing Procedures for Asbestos in Talc
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a white paper at the beginning of 2022 about potential enhancements to testing for asbestos in talc cosmetics. The white paper came after the Interagency Working Group on Asbestos in Consumer Products (IWGACP) collaborated on scientific opinions regarding testing procedures for asbestos in talc cosmetics.
“We have become aware that methods employed by some industry members to test for asbestos in talc-containing cosmetic products may not always detect the presence of asbestos,” said Susan Mayne, Director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “That’s why an interagency working group sought to take a state-of-the-science look at available methods.”
Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) is the standard method for talc cosmetic testing, and it has been since the 1970s. The cosmetic industry used PLM if amphibole asbestos strands are found in X-ray scans.
The IWGACP suggests the FDA transition to Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) along with PLM. The TEM method has detected asbestos fibers in samples that were labeled negative by PLM. Other suggestions from the white paper include:
- Reporting all asbestos and other dangerous particles equal to or greater than a specific length and specific length-to-width ratio
- Providing analytical reports of findings
- Establishing policies for laboratories covering training, quality assurance and quality control
In 2021, 2022, and 2023, the cosmetic samples tested by the FDA were clean of asbestos. The year prior, around 17% of samples tested positive for traces of asbestos. In the 2023 tests, the FDA used both PLM and TEM testing methods.
The products are selected based on several characteristics, including:
- Product type
- Price range
- Popularity
- Presence in advertisements
- Whether the products were marketed to children or women of color
- Whether any third-party reports found asbestos contamination
How to Stay Safe and Avoid Talc-Based Risks
Certain products may use talcum powder that might contain asbestos. Using care when choosing and checking products can lower the risk of exposure.
Talc-Free Product Alternatives
Switching to talc-free products can help avoid potential risks linked to asbestos contamination in talc. Many companies offer powders and cosmetics made with cornstarch, arrowroot, rice powder, or baking soda instead of talc.
When looking for alternatives, check the ingredient list for terms like talc, magnesium silicate, or hydrated magnesium silicate—these should be absent. Some brands put “talc-free” on the label for easy identification. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sometimes announces product recalls when asbestos is found in talc products, so keeping updated with those notices can help.
Table:
| Talc-Free Ingredients | Common Uses | Example Products |
|---|---|---|
| Cornstarch | Baby powder | Burt’s Bees Baby Dusting Powder |
| Arrowroot powder | Body powder | Honeybee Gardens Deodorant Powder |
| Kaolin clay | Facial powder | Alaffia Repair & Restore Face Powder |
Reading Labels and Verifying Ingredient Transparency
Reading labels closely is important for product safety. Not all products clearly list ingredients or may use confusing names. Key steps include:
- Look for a full ingredient list on the package or product website.
- Check for warning labels regarding talc or asbestos.
- If an ingredient list is missing or incomplete, avoid the product or contact the company for details.
Reputable brands often provide clear labels and have information on their websites about ingredient sourcing. Some companies use third-party labs for ingredient testing and make those results public. The FDA urges manufacturers to accurately list ingredients, but it does not test every product. Consumers should consider this when choosing which products to trust.
Reporting Unsafe Products and Seeking Testing
If someone suspects a product is unsafe, report it to the FDA using their online MedWatch system or contact state health departments. Reporting helps track safety problems and can lead to product recalls or warning labels.
For consumers who want extra assurance, some independent labs can test powders for asbestos. This testing can be expensive, so check if the company already performs or publishes safety testing. Keeping records of lot numbers, brands, and receipts can help if a problem arises.
If the FDA confirms an issue, they will often release a public warning or recall. Staying informed on such updates ensures better product safety.
Mesothelioma Legal Cases Involving Talc
Talc is the primary ingredient in most baby powder products, which is the source of many legal battles involving talc and mesothelioma lawsuits.
Avon Products Inc. Talc and Mesothelioma Lawsuits
As of 2020, Avon had faced nearly 130 talc and asbestos lawsuits. Due to the controversy, Avon announced it would pull talc from production processes, but this effort would not excuse them from further talc litigation.
An Arizona woman was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2021 and attributed her diagnosis to the use of Avon’s powder products, which she later found out had high levels of asbestos. Her case was heard by a California jury.
The jury concluded Avon management was aware of the cancer risk associated with the company’s talc products and did not warn consumers. According to the verdict, the jury also found Avon executives acted with “malice, oppression or fraud” in suppressing the health risks associated with the products, which led to a punishment award.
In December 2022, she was awarded over $50 million in damages. The jury initially awarded $40 million in actual damages to compensate for the victim’s pain and medical bills. Due to the jury’s discovery of malice intent, the victim was awarded an additional $10.3 million in punitive damages.
Johnson & Johnson and Talc Mesothelioma Lawsuits
The FDA has conducted tests of cosmetic products since 2017, and in 2019 the organization found asbestos in samples of Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder product. That news led to Johnson & Johnson recalling the specific lot that was reportedly contaminated.
The company, which faces thousands of mesothelioma lawsuits, announced in May 2020 that it would cease production and sale of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder in the U.S. and Canada. This news is a significant victory for activist organizations in the fight against asbestos exposure from talc-based health and beauty items.
Reuters published an article in 2018 claiming Johnson & Johnson knew its product was tainted with the carcinogen. In July 2019, the U.S. Justice Department opened an investigation into whether Johnson & Johnson lied about their knowledge of asbestos in their products.
If true, then the company willingly allowed many customers to be placed at extraordinary risk of developing mesothelioma.
Roundup of Johnson & Johnson Talc Mesothelioma Lawsuits and Verdicts
According to a Bloomberg article, Johnson & Johnson faces more than 14,000 civil claims related to its baby powder. There have already been numerous verdicts favoring talc and mesothelioma victims against Johnson & Johnson:
- A California jury awarded a talc and mesothelioma victim $29.4 million in 2019.
- Another verdict in 2019 awarded a total of $4.7 billion to 22 patients.
- A New York state jury awarded a victim $325 million, up from the $300 million she got in 2019.
- A jury in 2020 hit Johnson & Johnson with a $750 million verdict in punitive damages. New Jersey state law lowered this below $200 million. This verdict was eventually thrown out by a New Jersey appeals court.
- A California jury ruled against Johnson & Johnson in 2019 and awarded the victim around $40 million.
- A Missouri appeals court upheld a previous Johnson & Johnson verdict and awarded a group of cancer victims $2.12 billion.
- Another California jury awarded $26.5 million to a woman who claims Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder is responsible for her malignant mesothelioma.
- An Oregon jury awarded a woman with mesothelioma $260 million. She claimed the use of Johnson & Johnson cosmetics led to her aggressive cancer.
More Johnson & Johnson Legal News
In 2021, Johnson & Johnson reportedly set aside nearly $4 billion for asbestos lawsuit settlements. The news is proof some Johnson & Johnson talc products cause mesothelioma.
In 2020, Johnson & Johnson settled more than 1,000 asbestos claims involving talc baby powder. The total settlement amount was likely around $10 billion.
Johnson & Johnson faces nearly 60,000 cancer lawsuits as of April 2025. The company has tried three times to create a subsidiary that files for bankruptcy to avoid future lawsuits. This tactic is called the “Texas Two-Step” and would involve creating an asbestos trust fund through the bankrupt subsidiary.
The third attempt aimed to settle only pending ovarian cancer lawsuits but not pending mesothelioma claims. All three attempts were denied by a bankruptcy judge.
Other Companies Facing Talc Cancer Lawsuits
Other companies face similar legal issues due to their talc products. Claire’s and Chanel both are defendants in asbestos lawsuits regarding their talc items.
Talc cancer claims are on the rise. According to one report, they increased 11% from 2018-2019. There are approximately 300 each year. Around 65% of victims in the claims are women.
What to Do If You’ve Been Exposed or Diagnosed
Quick action is important if someone has been exposed to talc with asbestos or has been diagnosed with a related illness. This includes getting medical tests and seeking legal advice to understand compensation rights.
Medical Screening and Mesothelioma Testing
Doctors recommend regular checkups for anyone exposed to talc products containing asbestos. Early signs of related diseases, such as mesothelioma, can be difficult to notice without screening tests.
Key steps for exposed individuals:
- Report any history of exposure to healthcare providers.
- Ask about chest X-rays or CT scans to check for lung changes.
- Track any symptoms like chest pain, coughing, or trouble breathing.
Mesothelioma is rare, but early testing improves treatment options. Under new laws like the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), some manufacturers must follow strict safety guidelines. However, those already exposed may still be at risk and should stay alert for symptoms.
Legal Resources for Victims of Talc-Related Illness
People diagnosed with illnesses linked to talcum powder and asbestos may have legal rights. Compensation can include money for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Victims should:
- Contact an attorney who handles asbestos or talcum powder cases.
- Prepare medical records, proof of product use, and doctor’s reports.
- Learn about deadlines for filing legal claims, since time limits apply.
Many lawyers offer free consultations for these cases. Some victims join group lawsuits, called class actions or mass torts, against large companies. Seeking legal help early increases the chance of getting compensation.
Summary of Talc and Mesothelioma: Asbestos Contamination in Health and Beauty Products
Staying aware of the connection between talcum powder and asbestos is important for public health. People often use talc-based products every day, so knowing the risks helps them make informed choices.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that asbestos is dangerous, especially if someone breathes it in. Even small amounts can be harmful over time.
Key reasons to be informed:
- Health Risks: Asbestos, when present in talc, can cause serious lung diseases including cancer.
- Consumer Choice: Being educated helps people pick safer products.
- Regulation: Understanding the issue pushes governments and companies to improve safety rules.
| Concern | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Product Safety | Reduces exposure to harmful substances |
| Information Access | Helps people make safe decisions |
| Health Protection | Lowers the risk of disease |
Many organizations, including WHO, recommend using products that use substitutes for talc. At minimum, WHO recommends looking for products proven to be tested and confirmed as safe.
If you have mesothelioma and used health and beauty powder products, you may have been exposed to talc contaminated with asbestos. Our team can help you get a free case evaluation from legal experts. Contact us today to learn if a talc product caused your disease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Talc and Mesothelioma
How does talc cause cancer?
Talc causes cancer by exposing consumers to shards of asbestos mixed into the talcum powder. Talc products can cause mesothelioma if the asbestos fibers enter the pleura or peritoneum, which line the lung cavity and abdomen. These fibers aggravate cells and cause them to mutate.
Does talc in makeup contain asbestos?
Talc makeup and other cosmetics can contain asbestos. There are reports of asbestos found in lipstick, mascara, blush, eye shadow and children’s makeup. Any product that includes talc as an ingredient is potentially dangerous.
How does asbestos get in talcum powder?
Asbestos and talc are naturally forming minerals found within the earth’s soil. They cohabitate, often forming in the same geographical regions and sometimes just feet apart. Their neighborly relationship makes it easy to mix during mining procedures. Asbestos fibers can blend in with the talc after it’s ground into a powder.
What talc products could have asbestos in them?
Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder is the most notorious talc product linked to asbestos and mesothelioma. In 2020, the company pledged to stop producing talc versions of the product in the United States and Canada. Other talc products connected to asbestos include:
- Antiperspirants and deodorants
- Multivitamins
- After-shower powders
- Toothpaste
- Children’s crayons
- Food processing
Can you sue if you have mesothelioma from talc?
You can sue for a talc-related mesothelioma. The companies held responsible are usually the manufacturer of the talc product, as they are accused of using talc despite knowing the health risks. Johnson & Johnson faces thousands of mesothelioma lawsuits from victims of their hazardous talc Baby Powder. Some lawsuits have netted multi-million-dollar verdicts.
Sources & Author
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- Talc: The Softest Mineral. Geology.com. Retrieved from: https://geology.com/minerals/talc.shtml. Accessed: 11/18/19.
- Talc. United States Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/talc. Accessed: 11/18/19.
- CFSAN FOIA Electronic Reading Room. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/human-foods-program/hfp-foia-electronic-reading-room. Accessed: 03/10/2020.
- What Is Talc, Where Is It Used and Why Is Asbestos a Concern? The New York Times. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/14/business/talc-asbestos-powder-facts.html. Accessed: 11/18/19.
- Report: Johnson & Johnson knew its talcum powder sometimes had asbestos traces. The Washington Post. Retrieved from: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/report-johnson-and-johnson-knew-its-talcum-powder-sometimes-had-asbestos-traces/2018/12/14/9a89feb0-ffe7-11e8-862a-b6a6f3ce8199_story.html. Accessed: 11/27/19.
- Public Meeting on Testing Methods for Asbestos in Talc and Cosmetic Products Containing Talc. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-news-events/public-meeting-testing-methods-asbestos-talc-and-cosmetic-products-containing-talc-02042020. Accessed: 01/13/2020.
- Preliminary Recommendations on Testing Methods for Asbestos in Talc and Consumer Products Containing Talc. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/media/134005/download. Accessed: 01/13/2020.
- A New Study Suggests Tainted Talcum Powder Can Cause a Rare Cancer. Here’s How That Could Play Out in the Courtroom. TIME. Retrieved from: https://time.com/5692129/talcum-powder-mesothelioma/. Accessed: 11/18/19.
- Malignant mesothelioma following repeated exposures to cosmetic talc: A case series of 75 patients. American Journal of Industrial Medicine. Retrieved from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ajim.23106. Accessed: 03/18/2020.
- Mesothelioma Linked to Asbestos in Talcum Powder. Newswire. Retrieved from: https://www.newswise.com/articles/mesothelioma-linked-to-asbestos-in-talcum-powder/. Accessed: 01/09/2020.
- Alert: Tests Find High Levels of Asbestos in Children’s Makeup Kit. Environmental Working Group. Retrieved from: https://www.ewg.org/release/alert-tests-find-high-levels-asbestos-children-s-makeup-kit. Accessed: 01/23/2020.
- Asbestos Found In Ten Powders. New York Times. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/1976/03/10/archives/asbestos-found-in-ten-powders.html. Accessed: 03/24/2020.
- J&J Denials of Asbestos in Baby Powder Spur Criminal Probe. Bloomberg. Retrieved from: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-07-12/j-j-denials-of-asbestos-in-baby-powder-spur-u-s-criminal-probe. Accessed: 07/15/19.
- Johnson & Johnson knew for decades that asbestos lurked in its Baby Powder. Reuters. Retrieved from: https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/johnsonandjohnson-cancer/. Accessed: 03/17/19.
- Jury Orders J&J to Pay $750 Million for Talc Case Punishment. Bloomberg. Retrieved from: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-06/j-j-ordered-to-pay-750-million-in-punitive-damages-over-talc. Accessed: 02/10/2020.
- Analysis: Talc-Based Cosmetics Test Positive for Asbestos. Environmental Working Group. Retrieved from: https://www.ewg.org/release/analysis-talc-based-cosmetics-test-positive-asbestos. Accessed: 12/02/2020.
- Talc 2020: Recent Developments in the New Decade. KCIC. Retrieved from: https://www.kcic.com/trending/feed/talc-2020-recent-developments-in-the-new-decade. Accessed: 07/14/2020.
- J&J to Pay More Than $100 Million to End Over 1,000 Talc Suits. Bloomberg. Retrieved from: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-10-05/j-j-to-pay-more-than-100-million-to-end-over-1-000-talc-suits. Accessed: 10/06/2020.
- Public Meeting on Testing Methods for Asbestos in Talc and Cosmetic Products Containing Talc. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-news-events/public-meeting-testing-methods-asbestos-talc-and-cosmetic-products-containing-talc-02042020-02042020. Accessed: 01/13/20.
- Preliminary Recommendations on Testing Methods for Asbestos in Talc and Consumer Products Containing Talc. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/media/134005/download. Accessed: 01/13/20.
- Alert: Tests Find Asbestos in Talc-Based Eye Shadow Kits. Environmental Working Group. Retrieved from: https://www.ewg.org/release/alert-tests-find-asbestos-talc-based-eye-shadow-kits. Accessed: 05/19/2020.
- Talcum Trial: Johnson & Johnson Ordered To Pay $40M To Woman. Patch. Retrieved from: https://patch.com/california/studiocity/talcum-trial-johnson-johnson-ordered-pay-40m-woman. Accessed: 02/19/2020.
- Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay $300 million in talc cancer case. The Hill. Retrieved from: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/446381-johnson-johnson-ordered-to-pay-300-million-in-talc-cancer-case/. Accessed: 02/19/2020.
- Alert: Tests Find High Levels of Asbestos in Children’s Makeup Kit. Environmental Working Group. Retrieved from: https://www.ewg.org/release/alert-tests-find-high-levels-asbestos-children-s-makeup-kit. Accessed: 01/23/2020.
- Johnson & Johnson Sued Over Baby Powder by New Mexico. The New York Times. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/03/business/johnson-johnson-baby-powder-new-mexico-suit.html. Accessed: 01/06/20.
- Women With Cancer Awarded Billions in Baby Powder Suit. New York Times. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/23/health/baby-powder-cancer.html. Accessed: 06/30/2020.
- J&J Denials of Asbestos in Baby Powder Spur Criminal Probe. Bloomberg. Retrieved from: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-07-12/j-j-denials-of-asbestos-in-baby-powder-spur-u-s-criminal-probe. Accessed: 07/15/19.
- Johnson & Johnson sets aside $3.9B amid baby powder lawsuits. New York Post. Retrieved from: https://nypost.com/2021/02/23/johnson-johnson-reserves-3-9b-for-baby-powder-lawsuits/. Accessed: 02/25/21.
- Avon Hit With $40 Million Verdict in California Talc Lawsuit. Bloomberg. Retrieved from: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-16/avon-hit-with-40-million-verdict-in-california-talc-lawsuit. Accessed: 12/19/2022.
- FDA Releases Data from the Agency’s 2023 Testing of Talc-Containing Cosmetic Products for Asbestos. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-news-events/fda-releases-data-agencys-2023-testing-talc-containing-cosmetic-products-asbestos. Accessed: 04/07/2024.
- Oregon Jury Awards $260 Million in Mesothelioma Case Against Johnson & Johnson. Business Wire. Retrieved from: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240603504815/en/Oregon-Jury-Awards-%24260-Million-in-Mesothelioma-Case-Against-Johnson-Johnson. Accessed: 06/04/2024.
- Johnson & Johnson Loses in Court Again in Bid to Settle Talc Cases. New York Times. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/31/business/johnson-johnson-bankruptcy-talc.html. Accessed: 04/02/2025.
