Johnson & Johnson’s ‘cancer-causing’ baby powder: UK’s product liability lawsuit

A major legal claim has been filed in the UK against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J), accusing the company of knowingly selling baby powder contaminated with asbestos for decades.

BBC reports that the High Court case involves more than 3,000 claimants. This could be the largest product liability lawsuit in British history.

Thousands allege cancer link to asbestos-contaminated Johnson & Johnson talcum powder

The lawsuit, led by KP Law, alleges that internal company memos and scientific reports – some dating back to the 1960s – show J&J knew its mineral-based talcum powder contained fibrous minerals, including tremolite and actinolite, both classified as asbestos when fibrous.

Court documents reportedly cite a 1973 internal memo acknowledging the presence of “talc fragments classifiable as fibre” in J&J’s baby powder. Another letter discussed keeping confidential a patent that sought to remove asbestos from the talc. It was stated the company would prefer to keep everything confidential rather than reveal it to the public.

J&J has denied the allegations, saying its baby powder “was compliant with all regulatory standards, did not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer.”

Many claimants have been diagnosed with ovarian and mesothelioma cancers, which are strongly linked to asbestos. Siobhan Ryan, 63 from Somerset, told the BBC that “My mother used this product and I also used it.” It smelled nice, was soft, and looked lovely. I used it when my babies were born. I thought I was doing my best for them… I couldn’t believe what I was hearing when the doctor told me I had stage 4 ovarian cancer.”

According to lawyers, J&J’s marketing strategy allegedly targeted mothers over several decades, portraying the talc as “pure and gentle.”

J&J stopped selling talcum powder in 2023

In response, J&J and its new consumer health spin-off Kenvue said their products were tested for safety by independent laboratories worldwide and found to be asbestos-free. The company discontinued talc-based powders globally in 2023 after switching to cornstarch alternatives in the US.

Kenvue expressed, “We deeply sympathise with people who live with cancer. We understand that they and their families want answers – that’s why the facts are so important.

Johnson’s Baby Powder has been tested by leading independent laboratories, universities and authorities on health in the UK and worldwide for many years.

Johnson’s baby powder contains high-quality cosmetic grade Talc, which is compliant with all required regulatory standards. It does not contain asbestos and it does not cause cancer.”

The UK lawsuit mirrors extensive litigation in the United States, where J&J has faced tens of thousands of claims. Juries have awarded billions in damages – including a $966 million (€889 million) judgment last week to the family of a woman who died of mesothelioma, although that sum may be reduced on appeal.

Earlier this month, a Connecticut court ordered J&J to pay $25 million (€23 million) to a man diagnosed with terminal mesothelioma after long-term talcum powder use.

This case may set a precedent for consumer protection in the UK. The case is expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars and could influence how multinational corporations will be held accountable for past product safety issues.

View all Health News

Browse all UK news