Last year, several reports revealed evidence that Johnson & Johnson knew its famous baby powder was sometimes tainted with cancer-causing asbestos. Unfortunately, they hid the information for decades.
This year, multiple lawsuits against the company have continued to move through courts across the country. The most notable thus far is a $750 million (recently reduced to $185 million) in punitive damages awarded to four plaintiffs who developed mesothelioma after years of using the baby powder.
Now, citing complications due to COVID-19, Johnson & Johnson plans to discontinue the sale of around 100 products, including their baby powder.
The company posted their announcement on May 19th, 2020. After stopping the shipment of various products due to COVID-19, the company has decided to permanently discontinue baby powder in the US and Canada. Currently, they plan to continue selling the product in other markets.
In recent years, Johnson & Johnson has refused to put safety warning labels on their products. The company remains confident in the safety of their baby powder. They announced in their statement that stores with powder inventory will be able to continue selling it until they run out.
Talc is a commonly known mineral that, when mined, becomes contaminated with asbestos. Exposure to asbestos leads to mesothelioma, a cancer of the lungs without a cure. In 1973, the government placed regulations that required talc-based powders to be free of asbestos. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case.
From 1972 to 1975, labs found asbestos in the talc used for Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder. In one study, the levels were reported as “rather high.” Although science studies are still inconclusive about talc-based baby powders causing mesothelioma, courts are beginning to side with the consumer.
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with mesothelioma? You may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. If you’d like to discuss your potential case or learn more about mesothelioma, give us a call at 877-Ted-Lyon / 877-833-5966 or send us a message.
