Johnson & Johnson’s History with “Safe” Levels of Asbestos in Their Baby Powder
The New Jersey state trial continues against Johnson & Johnson, with the pharmaceutical giant’s representative and former company toxicologist recently taking the stand. The company is facing lawsuits from four plaintiffs, all of whom have claimed that their development of mesothelioma can be attributed to their exposure to asbestos in J&J’s baby powder when they were children.
Tests for Asbestos in Baby Powder
After J&J publicized a “zero tolerance” policy of asbestos in their products, internal documents revealed that, in the 1970’s, Johnson & Johnson told the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that a certain level of asbestos in their baby powder was safe. J&J told the FDA that if there was any question of the safety of the talc in their products, that those products would be removed from the market immediately.
When questioning the J&J representative, the plaintiffs’ attorney referred to a study conducted by a researcher and J&J consultant at Rutgers University in 1991. In the study, this researcher found levels of asbestos in J&J’s baby powder samples. Despite these findings, Johnson & Johnson did not remove this product from the market like they claimed they would.
J&J Claims Stemming from Baby Powder
Johnsons & Johnson has been under fire for their baby powder products for some time now, resulting in several multibillion-dollar lawsuits. This time last year, J&J was required to pay $4.69 billion in damages to 22 women and their families in Missouri, due to claims that their baby powder led to ovarian cancer.
Large companies like Johnson & Johnson should be held accountable for their negligence. It is a company’s responsibility to provide products that are safe for their consumers to use. Therefore, if you or a loved one has been affected by the negligence of a large company like J&J, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced product liability attorney today. The compassionate and dedicated lawyers at Whitley Law Firm will work tirelessly to get the compensation you deserve.