You must have heard of Johnson & Johnson the American company famous for its baby oil, powder, cream, and soap. These products are mostly used for babies, but many adults also use them. However, now the company is facing a massive lawsuit in the United Kingdom.Over 3000 people have filed a lawsuit against the company alleging that its talcum baby powder causes cancer due to the presence of asbestos a dangerous mineral.
The case was filed on October 14 in the English High Court by KP Law Firm on behalf of victims. The lawsuit claims that J&J knowingly sold baby powder containing asbestos which is a cancer-causing substance. The case also names Kenvue UK Limited, Johnson & Johnson’s former consumer health division, which was separated from the company in 2023.
Company Knew About the Risk Since the 1960s
According to legal documents J&J was aware since the 1960s that its talcum powder contained minerals such as tremolite and actinolite that can form asbestos in fibrous form. Despite this, the company did not issue any warning or remove the product from the market. Instead, it continued to promote it as “pure and safe.”
The plaintiffs in the UK claim that using J&J baby powder led to ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and other health problems.
Johnson & Johnson Denies Allegations
Johnson & Johnson has strongly denied all accusations stating that its products comply with safety standards and do not contain asbestos or cause cancer.
However, the compensation demand in the UK case is estimated at £1 billion, which is more than ₹10,000 crore.
Similar Cases in the United States
This is the first major case of its kind in the UK, but in the United States, J&J faces thousands of lawsuits. In October 2025, a U.S court ordered the company to pay $966 million (₹8,000 crore) to the family of a woman who died from mesothelioma a cancer linked to asbestos exposure.
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The company stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the U.S in 2020 and later replaced it with a cornstarch based version. The same change was made in the UK in 2023.
What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Dangerous?
Dr. Anshuman Kumar, Surgical Oncologist at Max Healthcare, explains:
“Asbestos is a natural mineral made of very fine fibers that don’t burn easily. When broken or worn down, these fibers can float in the air. If inhaled, they can stay in the lungs for years, causing inflammation and cancer.”
Even a small amount of asbestos exposure is dangerous. It’s known to cause mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer, especially in people who smoke.
