Web desk: Thousands of people are suing US pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson in the UK. It is being accused of knowingly selling asbestos-contaminated baby powder and hiding the risks from the public, reports International media.
Around 3,000 claimants say they or their relatives developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using Johnson’s Baby Powder.
They are seeking damages in a High Court case filed in London.
Law firm KP Law filed the case, naming Johnson & Johnson, Johnson & Johnson Management, and Kenvue UK as defendants.
The claim alleges that the companies concealed the health risks for decades.
Johnson & Johnson eventually replaced talc with corn starch, but it only stopped selling talc-based baby powder globally in 2023. This makes it three years after halting sales in the US and Canada.
The company denies all allegations, including claims that it knowingly sold asbestos-tainted products.
A Kenvue spokesperson said the talc used in Johnson’s Baby Powder met safety regulations, contained no asbestos, and does not cause cancer.
They added: “We sympathise deeply with people living with cancer and understand their need for answers. That’s why the facts are so important.”
Does Johnson’s Baby Powder Cause Cancer?
“Asbestos-contamination” refers to any material or environment where ‘asbestos fibres’ are present or have been released into the air.
This release creates a potential health hazard when inhaled. In some cases, they may get trapped in the lungs and stay there for a long period.
Johnson’s Baby Powder is a popular product among parents across the world. It is designed specifically for infants; any health concerns surrounding it raise even greater alarm.
Johnson & Johnson is one of the most popular baby brands in Pakistan as well.
It is not only used by the parents, but also considered a useful gift to be given to new parents. However, this accusation is highly alarming.
“The high-quality cosmetic grade talc that was used in Johnson’s Baby Powder was compliant with any required regulatory standards, did not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer,” reports The Guardian.
Lawyer Says J&J Knew of Asbestos in Talc Mines
Michael Rawlinson KC, representing the claimants, said “there exist very few, if any, commercially exploited talc deposits in the world which do not contain asbestos and that all of the mines supplying the defendants contained asbestos”.
He said that reports from these mines, along with the group’s own investigations and existing scientific research, should have made the company aware of the contamination risk.
Rawlinson alleged that despite this, J&J deliberately withheld information suggesting its baby powder might contain asbestos.
He further claimed the company pressured regulators to keep the product on the market and funded studies designed to downplay the health risks.
According to Rawlinson, J&J acted in bad faith to protect its reputation, profits, and the brand image of its baby powder.
‘I Trusted J&J’s Baby Powder’
Janet Fuschillo is a 75-year-old who is one of the people bringing the case. She said that she had used ‘J&J’s baby powder since the 1960s.’ She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer seven years ago.
Siobhan Ryan, aged 63, is one of the many young parents affected by the company’s adverts.
She says she trusted Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder.
“My mother used it, and I used it. It smelled nice and was soft and lovely. When my babies were born, I used it on them. I thought I was doing my best for them,” she said, reports BBC.
“It was such a shock. We just hugged and cried. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing when the doctor told me I had stage 4 ovarian cancer,” Siobhan recalled.
After three rounds of chemotherapy, a near-fatal case of sepsis, and major abdominal surgery, she is alive and able to share her story 18 months later.
Like the other claimants in the case, Siobhan believes her cancer was caused by long-term use of Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder.
Netizens have also expressed worry and agony over the current situation.
Any ladies on here who have any talc from before 2024,get rid of it. I lost my friend, Sam, a City fan, to cervical cancer, after. #hcafc @TigerDor
— David Fergus (@DavidFe20490699) October 16, 2025
Johnson & Johnson baby powder: Thousands sue company alleging it hid talcum powder cancer risks – BBC News https://t.co/F7Mb8ZZW3p
My mother died from (chemo) ovarian cancer when I was 17, right before my senior year in high school.
— Dr. C (@OG_DrC) December 14, 2024
She used J&J Baby Powder for dryness in her undergarments daily.
This is the event that turned me into everything I am today.
I will not rest until the entire medical… https://t.co/aSG2ee9Wwt
