What is Talcum Powder (Talc)?
Talc (talcum powder) is a naturally occurring mineral used in many personal care and cosmetic products for its
ability to absorb moisture and reduce friction.
Because talc is mined from the earth, concerns have been raised that some talc products may be contaminated with
asbestos, a known carcinogen. Many lawsuits allege that long-term use of certain talc-based products contributed to
serious health conditions, and claim that consumers were not adequately warned.
Background:
Talc is widely used in cosmetics and personal care items. The primary safety concern in litigation has been whether
talc used in consumer products was contaminated with asbestos. In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
reported that a sample from a specific lot of a talc-based baby powder contained chrysotile fibers (a type of asbestos),
and the company voluntarily recalled that lot.
Medical research on whether personal (including genital) talc use increases ovarian cancer risk has produced mixed
results, and conclusions vary across studies and expert reviews.
About Talcum Powder–Related Claims
Talcum powder claims generally involve allegations that talc products were contaminated with asbestos and that exposure contributed to serious illness. Cases often raise issues such as:
The following are common legal allegations discussed in talcum powder–related litigation and are provided for general informational purposes only.
Failure to Warn
Negligence
Product Liability
Potential Health Concerns Alleged in Talc Claims
Talc litigation commonly alleges that asbestos-contaminated talc exposure contributed to serious illness, including certain cancers. Scientific and medical evaluations have reported mixed findings regarding ovarian cancer risk from personal talc use, and the issue remains debated in public health and court settings.
Talcum Powder Lawsuit Update 2024
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$700M Multistate Settlement: In June 2024, Johnson & Johnson agreed to a $700 million settlement with 42 states and the District of Columbia to resolve allegations of deceptive marketing involving talc-based powder products. The company did not admit liability.
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Oregon Jury Verdict (Mesothelioma): In June 2024, an Oregon jury awarded $260 million to Kyung Lee, who alleged her mesothelioma was caused by long-term use of talc powder contaminated with asbestos.
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$6.48B Proposed Ovarian Cancer Resolution: In May 2024, Johnson & Johnson advanced a proposed $6.48 billion plan aimed at resolving current and future ovarian cancer talc claims through a subsidiary bankruptcy process, subject to claimant voting and court approval.
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