The federal government is investigating Johnson & Johnson over concerns that the company's talcum-based baby powder may contain asbestos. Johnson & Johnson disclosed that federal regulators were raising questions about the company's talcum powder products in a filing with the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The federal investigation comes in the wake of a series of lawsuits involving baby powder, some decades in the making. Several high-profile judgments were awarded to plaintiffs who claimed the pharmaceutical company talc products caused their ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. The most recent suit was decided in July 2018: A jury in Missouri ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay up $4.7 Billion to 22 women who claimed the company's talcum-based baby powder caused their cases of ovarian cancer. These are the first federal investigations stemming from the issue.
J&J Knew About Asbestos in Baby Powder
The inquiries come two months after news reports revealed documents suggesting that the company knew about the risk of asbestos in its products.
According to a Reuters investigation, Johnson & Johnson knew that its baby powder talc supply was tainted with carcinogenic asbestos as early as 1971. The report alleges that J&J kept their knowledge secret from consumers and regulators, failing to warn to warn consumers of the risks.
Johnson & Johnson now faces lawsuits from thousands of people across the country, and it's not too late to join them in the pursuit of justice. If you were diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using talcum powder, you may qualify for compensation. Contact us to get the help you deserve.