Thousands in UK Sue Johnson & Johnson Over Talcum Powder Cancer Risks

A major legal battle is unfolding in the UK as around 3,000 people file a lawsuit against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J). The claim accuses the company of knowingly selling baby powder contaminated with asbestos—a substance linked to deadly cancers—while hiding the risks from consumers for decades.

What Is the Lawsuit About?

The lawsuit, filed by KP Law, centers on internal J&J documents and scientific reports showing that the company knew since the 1960s that its talcum powder contained fibrous forms of talc, tremolite, and actinolite—minerals classified as asbestos and known to cause cancer.

Despite this knowledge, the claim alleges, J&J failed to warn consumers and instead ran marketing campaigns portraying the baby powder as pure and safe.

J&J denies the allegations, stating their baby powder complied with regulatory standards, contained no asbestos, and did not cause cancer. The company stopped selling talcum powder in the UK in 2023.

Asbestos and Talcum Powder: What’s the Risk?

Talc is a mineral often found near asbestos deposits. While talc itself isn’t harmful, asbestos fibers in its fibrous form are known carcinogens linked to cancers such as mesothelioma and ovarian cancer.

The lawsuit claims J&J was aware of asbestos contamination as early as the 1960s and even considered developing a patent to remove asbestos fibers but ultimately kept the issue confidential instead of alerting consumers.

Alleged Concealment and Marketing Tactics

Internal memos show discussions about asbestos contamination and concerns over changing regulations. Rather than issuing warnings, the company allegedly pushed marketing strategies to maximize sales, including targeting African American women in later decades.

One 2008 email highlighted concerns that calling the product "baby powder" might be misleading due to safety issues, but the company continued to use the brand without adequate warnings. J&J counters that this referred to rare asphyxiation risks, not cancer or asbestos.

Regulatory Pressure and Testing Standards

The lawsuit also accuses J&J of lobbying regulators to accept lower sensitivity standards in asbestos testing, allowing contaminated products to pass safety checks. J&J claims this was a hypothetical discussion requested by the FDA and not evidence of wrongdoing.

Real People, Real Suffering

Many claimants have suffered or died from ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, or other cancers after prolonged use of J&J baby powder.

Siobhan Ryan, a UK mother diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer, shared her story of trust and heartbreak. Like many others, she used J&J baby powder on her children, believing it was safe. Now she faces aggressive cancer treatments, convinced the powder caused her illness.

The Wider Legal Context

Similar lawsuits in the US have resulted in billions in damages awarded to victims. A recent US court ordered J&J to pay $25 million to a man with mesothelioma linked to their baby powder. Testimony revealed internal safety claims were made without reviewing test data, and asbestos contamination was known but concealed.

J&J has denied wrongdoing and plans to appeal US court decisions.

What’s Next?

The UK lawsuit could become the largest product liability case in British history, with potential damages running into hundreds of millions of pounds.

J&J has restructured its consumer health division into a new company called Kenvue, which maintains the safety of its baby powder based on years of independent testing.

What You Should Know About Ovarian Cancer

Experts warn ovarian cancer symptoms can be subtle, including persistent bloating, pelvic pain, feeling full quickly, and frequent urination. If symptoms occur regularly, it’s important to see a doctor early.

Final Thoughts

This case highlights serious concerns about corporate transparency and consumer safety. Thousands of families are seeking justice as Johnson & Johnson faces one of its biggest legal challenges yet.