Johnson & Johnson faces first UK lawsuit over alleged cancer risk from talcum powder
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Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is facing its first legal battle in the United Kingdom over claims that asbestos in its talcum powder caused cancer in thousands of women.
This marks a new front for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics giant, which has already faced numerous similar lawsuits in North America.
According to UK law firm KP Law, which is representing approximately 2,000 claimants, women diagnosed with serious and life-threatening cancers were allegedly exposed to asbestos in J&J’s talcum powder. The firm also noted that it has been contacted by thousands more potential claimants, some of whom have passed away from their illnesses.
Erik Haas, J&J's worldwide vice president of litigation, strongly defended the company's position, stating that their products are rigorously tested and free of asbestos contamination. Haas emphasized that independent scientific research does not associate talc with an increased risk of ovarian cancer or mesothelioma.
KP Law has sent J&J a formal letter outlining the allegations. If J&J does not respond by the end of the year, the case will be escalated to the UK's High Court.
Lawyers allege that J&J knew as early as the 1970s about the potential dangers of asbestos in its talc products but failed to inform consumers. Despite this, the company reportedly continued selling talc-based products in the UK until 2022.
While J&J denies any wrongdoing, it has faced significant legal and financial challenges over talc-related claims in North America. In September, the company raised its settlement offer to $8 billion, to be paid over 25 years, to resolve allegations related to ovarian cancer. Earlier this year, J&J agreed to pay $700 million to settle claims of misleading consumers about the safety of its talc products.
Despite settling claims in North America, J&J withdrew talcum powder from that market in 2020. The company has stated that Kenvue, its former consumer health division, is now responsible for any talc-related liabilities outside the US and Canada.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classified talc as “probably carcinogenic” to humans in July. However, a 2020 study of 250,000 women in the United States found no significant statistical link between the use of talc on the genitals and the risk of ovarian cancer.