Talcum Powder Lawsuit – May 2025 Update
Johnson & Johnson is facing thousands of lawsuits alleging its talcum powders contained asbestos. These lawsuits say the asbestos in the company’s baby powders caused people to develop cancer and mesothelioma.
Evidence in talcum powder trials has shown J&J knew their talcum powders sometimes contained asbestos. Evidence also shows the company knew about the dangers of talcum powder. Yet, J&J continued to market its talc products for use on babies and as a personal hygiene product.
If you or a family member developed ovarian cancer or after using Johnson & Johnson baby powders or talcum hygiene products, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
Latest News on Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuit – May 2025 Updates
May 14, 2025: Alabama Woman Joins Talcum Powder Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson
A woman in Alabama has filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson after she developed ovarian cancer, which she believes is from decades of talcum powder use. Ms. Huff would dust her perineum with baby powder from 1962 to 2014 as part of her feminine hygiene practice. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in March 2022. She seeks compensation for the emotional, monetary, and physical toll her diagnosis has taken on her.
May 3, 2025: Active Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuits Approach 60,000
There are now 58,643 lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson for its talcum powder. Claimants are suing the pharmaceutical company because they believe its talcum powder products (like baby powder) were contaminated with asbestos. As a result, claimants believe they developed ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, and mesothelioma due to long-term exposure. More people continue to file claims as they discover their life-altering conditions may be related to their talcum powder use. The litigation is ongoing, and more people can join this active lawsuit.
April 1, 2025: Bankruptcy Court Rejects Johnson & Johnson’s Third Attempt to Wipe Out Lawsuits Through Bankruptcy Settlement
A judge blocked Johnson & Johnson’s third effort to resolve pending ovarian cancer lawsuits by using a loophole in the United States bankruptcy system. Johnson & Johnson created a subsidiary and transferred its talc liabilities to it, then filed for bankruptcy. The company may have used this legal strategy to limit how much it had to pay in compensation to victims who developed ovarian cancer and other diseases after using the company’s talcum-based baby powders. The judge denied Johnson & Johnson’s request, criticized the company’s use of improper internal voting methods, and questioned the need for the pharmaceutical giant to be in bankruptcy proceedings at all.
August 11, 2022: Johnson & Johnson Announced Plan To Stop Selling Talcum-Based Baby Powders Globally
Johnson & Johnson declared that it would stop selling talcum-based baby powders globally in 2023. When it made this statement, the company faced about 38,000 lawsuits that alleged talc products caused consumers to develop cancer. Johnson & Johnson ceased sales of talcum powders in the United States and Canada in 2020. The company said it plans to transition to cornstarch-based powders in the future. Many more people who developed ovarian cancer and mesothelioma after using talcum powders continue to file claims in state and federal courts.
September 30, 2019: Expert Report Discusses How Corporations Misled the Public About Asbestos in Talcum Powders
In a 2019 expert report, several medical researchers comment on the questionable role of corporations in shaping the narrative around talcum powders. In the report, the authors share how Johnson & Johnson knew asbestos was in its talcum powders as early as the 1970s, but it chose to downplay and conceal this information. The company tried to suppress the findings of the doctor who warned Johnson & Johnson about the presence of asbestos in its talcum-based baby powders. In 1975, the company misled the FDA by saying it did not have credible or reliable reports showing that asbestos was in Johnson & Johnson’s talc products.
July 13, 2018: Missouri Jury Awards $4.7 Billion to Women With Talcum Powder-Related Ovarian Cancer
Twenty-two women sued Johnson & Johnson in Missouri state court after they developed ovarian cancer that they believe was caused by long-term talcum powder use. After hearing testimony from many medical and scientific experts, the Missouri jury sided with the women and ordered the pharmaceutical company to pay $550 million in compensatory and $4.14 billion in punitive damages. Thousands of women have filed cases against the company because they believe the company knew its products were contaminated with asbestos but marketed them as safe and harmless.
About the Talcum Powder Lawsuit:
FDA Finds Traces of Asbestos in Talcum-Based Products
Johnson & Johnson’s Response to the Talcum Powder Lawsuits
Who Qualifies For the Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
What Damages Can I Recover in a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
How Can I File a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
What Is the Talcum Powder Lawsuit Deadline?
Average Settlements in a Talcum Powder Lawsuit
King Law Is Offering Free Case Reviews
What Is Talcum Powder?
Talcum powder, which is often known as baby powder, is made from talc, a fine, white powder known for its softness and ability to absorb moisture. Talc is a mineral that is a combination of magnesium, oxygen, hydrogen, and silicon. When talc is ground up, it forms a powder that is used in infant, skin, and beauty products, including baby and body powders. Baby powder can help reduce rashes and soothe irritated skin, and it is also used to control odors.
Common Uses of Talcum Powder
Talcum powder has many different uses in the personal care, beauty, household, and agricultural industries:
- Personal care: Talc is a main ingredient in dry shampoo, baby powder, deodorants, feminine hygiene products, and moisture-absorbing body powders.
- Cosmetic products: Talc is added to foundations, eyeshadows, and face powders because it can make these products creamier and more easily blended.
- Medical: Talc was used in surgical gloves and condoms to help with lubrication, and it is currently added to some medications to help the pills go down more easily.
- Household: Talc can help reduce odors and moisture in shoes, remove stains, and clean and untangle jewelry.
- Agricultural: Talc can protect seeds from pests, encourage even distribution of pesticides, and help the seeds move freely without sticking to one another.
- Food industry: Talc is added to pantry items, like spices, and in ceramics, rubbers, and plastics, because of its anti-caking properties.
Many consumers used talcum-based products in their daily lives without knowing it. Further, Johnson & Johnson and other companies have not been transparent about the potential risks of talc-containing goods.
Popularity of J&J Baby Powders
Historically, Johnson & Johnson’s baby powders were a staple in nurseries across the United States. By some estimates, about half of all American babies born in the 20th century had baby J&J’s baby powder used on them. Parents turned to this product to help with diaper rash, reduce odors, and prevent chafing. Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder has been around since 1894, and its powders have also been used by adults to reduce sweat and moisture in sensitive areas.
Talcum Powder and Asbestos
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), talc is a probable human carcinogen. However, asbestos contamination in talc can be quite common and poses even greater risks to human health. Talc is often contaminated with asbestos because the two minerals tend to naturally occur near each other. Because of this, manufacturers should rigorously purify talcum powder to make sure the final product does not have asbestos.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen that can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer. Robust studies have shown that the use of talcum powder, like J&J’s baby powder, on a woman’s genitals increases her chances of developing ovarian cancer, particularly if the woman uses talcum powder frequently or for an extended period of time. Men who use talcum powders on their perineum can develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma.
J&J has known about the presence of asbestos in its baby powder products since at least the 1970s. Some investigations suggest that J&J suspected that talcum powder was dangerous as early as the 1920s.
Does Talcum Powder Always Contain Asbestos?
Not all talcum products contain asbestos; however, the risk is persistent. Talc and asbestos deposits tend to occur close to each other within a rock bed, so it is common for talc and asbestos fibers to be mixed together during the mining process. Companies that mine for talc should take proper precautions when extracting talc and use purification processes to remove asbestos from the talc.
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration guidelines require talc-based products to be free from asbestos. Even so, the FDA does not require manufacturers to test their talc-based products for asbestos yet. As a result, products labeled as safe and asbestos-free may still contain this fibrous carcinogen.
Talcum Powder Side Effects
Despite talcum powder’s popularity, it can cause many side effects, including the following:
- Skin redness, rash, or hives
- Dry or itchy skin
- Increased skin sensitivity
- Clogged pores, acne, or skin congestion
- Difficulty breathing or tightness in the chest
- Coughing, sneezing, or wheezing
- Sore or irritated throat
- Weakened or destroyed natural barrier on the skin
Health Risks of Talcum Powder
Talcum powders have been linked to many different adverse health risks. For example, inhaling talc can cause multiple lung issues in babies and adults. Additionally, talc-based products may increase someone’s risk of ovarian cancer and other serious conditions.
Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
Several studies have shown a link between long-term use of talcum powder and an elevated risk of ovarian cancer. For example, a 2024 expert report concluded that talcum powder particles can move through a woman’s body and create molecular changes that are “hallmarks of cancer.” Additionally, a 2016 study noted that talcum powder use increased a woman’s chances of epithelial ovarian cancer, and that talcum powder has been found in normal and diseased ovaries. The authors believe that estrogen may play a role in encouraging cancer cells to develop.
Talcum Powder and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that is known to be caused by asbestos exposure. Typically, mesothelioma develops in the lining of the chest, abdomen, lungs, or testicles. Talc and asbestos deposits are often found near each other, increasing the chance that talcum powders may be contaminated with asbestos. Talc-based products like baby powder are commonly applied to the genitals, which can raise someone’s risk of developing mesothelioma. Additionally, inhaling talcum powder can also cause mesothelioma in the chest.
Talcum Powder and Lung Cancer
Long-term or repeated exposure to asbestos in talcum powders has also been associated with lung cancer. The inhaled asbestos may get into the lung tissue and cause cancerous tumors to develop.
Talcum Powder and Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer
Talcum powder has also been linked to endometrial or uterine cancer. For example, a 2010 research publication concluded that perineal talcum powder use increased a woman’s chances of developing uterine cancer. The authors believe the woman’s inflammatory response to talc may be responsible for the later development of uterine cancer. Talc is known to cause inflammation. The authors found that postmenopausal women had the highest risk of developing endometrial cancer after using talcum powder.
Talcum Powder and Pulmonary Talcosis
Inhaling talc powder is associated with talcosis, a rare lung disease that can develop after long-term or high-dose exposure to talc. While this condition is uncommon outside of work-related exposures, there are several documented cases of pulmonary talcosis in the United States and Europe. Talcosis can also occur in infants, whose small, developing lungs may not be able to handle the drying and clumping effects of inhaling talc.
Talcum Powder and Fertility Issues and Complications
Long-term use of talcum powder on the genitals may also decrease a woman’s ability to get pregnant or carry a baby to term. However, scientists are still investigating this connection. Since talc may raise a woman’s risk of cancer and inflammation in her reproductive tract, the woman may have a harder time getting pregnant. Additionally, the treatment for endometrial cancer may involve high doses of hormones or a complete hysterectomy, which may limit or prohibit the woman from becoming pregnant.
FDA Finds Traces of Asbestos in Talcum-Based Products
In 2019, the FDA tested 52 commonly used cosmetic products for the presence of asbestos. The FDA discovered asbestos in 9 of the goods, which included Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder, as well as makeup by the brands Beauty Plus, City Color, and Claire’s. Johnson & Johnson voluntarily recalled the contaminated lot of its baby powder in 2019.
The FDA conducted additional testing in 2022 and 2023 and did not find asbestos in the product batches they analyzed. However, there are serious, ongoing concerns about the risk of contamination. Companies are not required to test their goods for asbestos, so consumers cannot be sure that what they are purchasing is truly free from this cancer-causing mineral. In December 2024, the FDA proposed a rule that would require testing; however, this regulation has not yet been finalized or made enforceable.
Johnson & Johnson’s Response to the Talcum Powder Lawsuits
Johnson & Johnson denies wrongdoing and liability for the presence of asbestos in its products. The company goes a step further and attempts to claim that its products are not linked to cancer, despite evidence to the contrary. Even so, in 2020, the company ceased all sales of its talcum baby powder in the U.S. and Canada. In 2022, it announced it would completely end its production of talcum powders in 2023. The company now sells cornstarch-based powders worldwide.
Internal Documents Show J&J Knew About Asbestos in Talc Products
Internal documents and regulatory reports suggest that Johnson & Johnson knew about the asbestos in its baby powders as early as the 1970s. In a December 1971 letter, Johnson & Johnson representatives discouraged Dr. Langer from publishing his scientific study showing that the company’s talc-based powders contained asbestos. Included with the letter was a $1,000 check to compensate him for his research, and the company said they would send additional funds if Dr. Langer believed this payment was “inadequate.”
Several years later, Johnson & Johnson sent a letter to the FDA indicating that tests for asbestos in its talc products were “inconclusive.” Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson continued to market its talcum baby powders as safe and beneficial.
In 1971, J&J paid dermatologist Albert Kligman to inject inmates in a Pennsylvania prison with asbestos. Klinman injected mostly black prisoners with chrysotile and tremolite asbestos. Chrysotile is generally considered the most dangerous form of the mineral. J&J wanted to understand how the mineral harmed these inmates. Johnson & Johnson now says it regrets the experiments.
J&J’s Bankruptcy Controversy and LTL Management
Johnson & Johnson has attempted to sidestep liability and limit how much plaintiffs can receive in the massive ovarian cancer lawsuits against it. Johnson & Johnson formed a subsidiary, LTL Management, in 2021 and transferred talcum powder liabilities to it, a legal strategy that capitalizes on loopholes in United States laws. The company has made at least three attempts to declare bankruptcy to wipe out the talcum powder lawsuits through a settlement. One of these bankruptcy settlement bids included an offer to pay plaintiffs $10 billion.
In April 2025, the bankruptcy judge dismissed the company’s request, saying Johnson & Johnson did not belong in bankruptcy proceedings. Johnson & Johnson still maintains that talcum powder is asbestos-free and safe, despite the mounting evidence and tens of thousands of lawsuits claiming otherwise.
Who Qualifies For the Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
Anyone who used talcum powder products and developed ovarian cancer may qualify to file a lawsuit. Victims may be able to sue if they have used talc-based powders, including Johnson & Johnson’s baby powders or other talcum-based hygiene products. Victims may sue the at-fault company directly, or an eligible loved one can file a wrongful death claim if the victim died from talc-related injuries.
King Law and our legal partners are evaluating cases from women who:
- Used talcum powder for intimate personal hygiene for at least 4 years of daily use
- Were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the past 3 years and before the age of 70
- Used talcum body powder after entering puberty
- Used talcum powder prior to a tubal ligation (if applicable)
If you are a family member filing a case on behalf of a deceased relative, that relative must have passed within the past 2 years.
If you think you or your loved one developed ovarian cancer because of your use of talcum products, consider contacting our office. King Law offers case evaluations and can help you understand if you have a right to compensation. We understand how an ovarian cancer diagnosis changes people’s lives, and we are ready to fight for your fair compensation.
What Products Are Involved in Talcum Powder Lawsuits?
People who used Johnson & Johnson products that contained talc may be able to file a lawsuit. The two main products that are the focus of the lawsuits are:
- Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powders
- Johnson & Johnson’s Shower to Shower talc-based powders
These products came in a variety of scents and combinations. A qualified lawyer can help you understand if you have a strong basis for a talc lawsuit.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
Victims who win their talcum powder lawsuit may be entitled to a settlement or jury award to cover their losses, including the physical, financial, and emotional consequences of their injuries. For example, they can request reimbursement of the costs of their cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management, as well as their lost wages. Victims can also seek a settlement for the pain, discomfort, and suffering from receiving a cancer diagnosis and having to go through treatments.
People who lost a loved one due to ovarian cancer may also qualify for a wrongful death lawsuit and settlement. Their payout might include funeral and burial costs and medical bill reimbursement, as well as the loss of the support and companionship of their loved one.
How Can I File a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
Victims or surviving loved ones can file a talc powder claim by following the formal steps for bringing a legal claim, which include:
- Schedule a consultation with an attorney to discover if you have a viable talcum powder claim.
- Your attorney helps you gather evidence to put in a complaint.
- File the legal complaint against the talcum powder manufacturer, such as Johnson & Johnson.
- Continue investigating your claim to build a strong legal case in your favor.
- Negotiate a settlement or prepare for trial.
King Law and our legal partners can help you understand and complete the steps involved in bringing a case against the corporation that made and sold the contaminated talcum-based powders. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to join the multidistrict litigation (federal group lawsuit) against Johnson and Johnson (MDL -2738 IN RE: Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation).
What Is the Talcum Powder Lawsuit Deadline?
Victims or their surviving family members only have a certain amount of time to file a lawsuit. The deadline (called the statute of limitations) to file a talcum powder lawsuit depends on each individual’s circumstances. Each state has rules about when people need to file these types of claims, and exceptions can extend or shorten the amount of time someone has to file. Victims or surviving family members are encouraged to talk to an experienced lawyer early on so they can understand their filing obligations.
Average Settlements in a Talcum Powder Lawsuit
There is no average or typical settlement for talcum powder lawsuits. However, King Law estimates that some successful claimants who win their cases may receive up to $100,000 to $1,000,000 or more in compensation. Actual payouts may vary based on factors such as the severity of the person’s losses, how quickly they file their lawsuit, and the strength of their legal arguments.
Has Johnson & Johnson Settled Talcum Powder Lawsuits?
In 2024, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay a $700 million settlement to state funds across the nation. This settlement was ordered because Johnson & Johnson was found to have engaged in deceptive marketing practices for its baby powders and Shower To Shower products. This settlement, although not paid to consumers, is important. It proved that Johnson & Johnson knew about the dangers of its talc-based products.
Individuals who join the multidistrict litigation against Johnson & Johnson, may receive settlements. Settlement negotiations are kept confidential. However, it is unlikely the company will send the almost 60,000 lawsuits against it to trial. It is likely many plaintiffs and their surviving family members will receive talc settlements.
Have There Been Talcum Powder Lawsuit Payouts?
Johnson & Johnson has settled multiple lawsuits related to injuries linked to its baby powder and personal hygiene powders. For example, a jury awarded the son of a deceased woman $72 million for her talc injuries. The jury found that Jackie Fox’s ovarian cancer was caused by her use of J&J baby powder as a personal hygiene product. Fox’s son received the award after his mother passed away 2 years after her diagnosis.
In another case, 22 women were awarded $4.69 billion in damages for ovarian cancer caused by talc. This trial was also important because it was the first trial to legally prove there can be asbestos in talc.
King Law Is Offering Free Case Reviews
King Law offers free case reviews to those who think their talcum powder use may have caused them to develop ovarian cancer. Our law firm is available to review your medical records, talk to you about the talc-based products you used, and explore your legal options. Our experienced mass tort lawyers have helped many clients go up against international corporations like Johnson & Johnson.
Contact a Talcum Powder Lawyer Today
Baby powder and talc-based hygiene products were marketed as completely safe, not just for adults but for our nation’s most vulnerable population: newborns. However, mounting evidence shows that many of these products were contaminated with cancer-causing asbestos. As a result, thousands may have developed ovarian cancer.
If you or your loved one developed ovarian cancer after using talc-based powders, you may have a right to compensation. Our legal team can advocate for you in court and at the negotiating table. Call us today at (585) 496-2648 or contact us online to start your free case review.