Johnson & Johnson Knew of Asbestos in Talc for Decades

Investors responded negatively to an extensive report Friday that Johnson & Johnson knew for decades that its iconic baby powder could be contaminated with asbestos fibers but failed to warn the public or inform regulators. Shares of Johnson & Johnson stock dropped by 10 percent Friday, its worst loss in almost two decades, dealing the company a serious financial setback. Reuters News Service detailed internal documents, company memos and extensive conversations that contradicted previous claims by Johnson & Johnson that its Shower to Shower and Baby Powder products were beyond reproach. Johnson & Johnson already is facing more than 11,000 plaintiffs contending its baby powder was causing cancer. Most of the cases involve ovarian cancer, but a small percentage relate to mesothelioma cancer, which is caused almost exclusively by asbestos. Wave of Lawsuits Against J&J Expected in 2019 In court proceedings, J&J has filed thousands of documents in various trials, but most were deemed confidential and unavailable to the public. The Reuters report included the most comprehensive, damaging collection of data to date, including trial reports, courtroom testimonies and previously unavailable documents. An even bigger wave of lawsuits is expected in 2019 stemming from the report. Talc, the softest naturally occurring mineral in the world, is used in a variety of consumer and industrial products, including Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder. When mined, talc often...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Source Type: news