Johnson’s Baby Powder Discontinued

After many lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, their baby powder is gone. Their talc-based baby powder is now officially discontinued and out of production.

Citing a lack of interest in the product and declining sales, the company canceled production. Legal experts point out a different side. The company lost millions of dollars in cancer lawsuits.

Related Articles:
Cancer Caused By Johnson Baby Powder
Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder Lawsuit
Dangerous Chemicals

Is Any Baby Powder Safe?

Baby powders are a type of cosmetic or hygienic powder. Manufacturers use several different main ingredients to make baby powder. Here are some common ingredients in baby powder: 

• Talc, a clay mineral
• Arrowroot or other powders
• Cornstarch

While it is possible for other talc-based powders to contain asbestos, J&J knew it and still shipped it to stores. This is a willful disregard of public health and safety.

Ingredients, like cornstarch, are believed to be safer than talc. Still, alternative ingredients may pose different health risks.

History Of Johnson’s Baby Powder Lawsuits

First Lawsuit Filed

In 1997, Darlene Coker brought a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson. Her lawyer believed Johnson’s Baby Powder caused Mrs. Coker’s mesothelioma. But, lawyers for J&J were able to avoid handing over critical internal documents. Mrs. Coker’s lawyer could not prove her case without that crucial evidence. The case failed and Mrs. Coker died.

But, Mrs. Coker’s case opened the doors for other claims. Through multiple attempts from several other victims, lawyers uncovered the truth. For years, J&J knew their talc powder contained asbestos.

Over the last several years, hundreds of women filed claims against Johnson’s Baby Powder. Some cases settle out of court. Other cases have varying degrees of success and failure in the courtroom.

Johnson & Johnson Agrees To Settlement

In June 2020, Johnson & Johnson finally gave in. The company agreed to pay $2.1 billion dollars to women with cancer. The company still maintains its product is safe. Finally, the company discontinued its talc-based baby powder.

Putting Profits Before Public Health

In October of 2019 investigators discovered over 33,000 baby powder bottles contained asbestos. The New York Times stated: 

“A reasonable inference from all this evidence is that motivated by profits, defendants disregarded the safety of consumers despite their knowledge the talc in their products caused ovarian cancer.”

Johnson & Johnson was forced to remove this product from stores. This comes after over 19,000 legal cases were filed against them.

The Link Between Talcum Powder And Cancer

As far back as the 1960s, Johnson & Johnson was aware of amounts of asbestos in their talc powder. Talc sometimes contains asbestos. Substances like Asbestos are carcinogenic to humans.

Asbestos is a kind of mineral and naturally occurs near talc mineral deposits. Asbestos inhalation causes mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a deadly type of lung cancer. Researchers state the women who use baby powder as a hygienic product are at risk of developing ovarian cancer.

How The Law Protects Consumers

Companies have a moral and legal obligation to protect their customers from harm. When companies neglect their customers and sell faulty, dangerous products, they must be held liable.

The law allows people harmed by dangerous products to file a claim for damages. This type of claim falls under product liability law.

Do You Have a Claim?

Did you or a loved one get cancer from using a Johnson & Johnson product? Call us today. You may have a claim. Get a free legal consultation to discuss your situation and explore your options.

Pennsylvania and New Jersey Product Liability Law Firm

Here at Kane & Silverman, we care about your safety. We will gather the details of your claim and discuss your legal options. Trust our award-winning team to get you the results you deserve.