Asbestos is an extremely dangerous substance that can cause a terminal type of cancer, mesothelioma, as well as many other incurable health conditions. Although the U.S. government banned the use of asbestos in the 1970s, some modern consumer products still contain traces of the substance through accidental contamination.
One of these products is talcum powder. Asbestos and talc often share mines in close proximity. Mining for talc for use in common products such as baby powder, therefore, may lead to cross-contamination with asbestos. Baby powder products containing asbestos have been at the center of dozens of lawsuits by women with ovarian cancer in recent years.
Exposure to any amount of asbestos could lead to life-threatening health conditions, including multiple cancers. It is a known carcinogen. Breathing in even microscopic asbestos particles could lodge them in the linings of the lungs, heart and other organs. Asbestos particles can remain stuck in these tissues for decades, slowly causing irritation and related health problems, such as malignant tumors. By the time the victim notices the presence of asbestos in his or her lungs or other parts of the body, it is too late. The asbestos has already done enough damage to be incurable, in most cases.
The deadliest illness associated with asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the inner lining of the lungs. Malignant mesothelioma has no cure and a life expectancy of about 12 months after the date of diagnosis. Other serious illnesses connected to asbestos include asbestosis and ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer could arise from using asbestos-contaminated baby powder between the legs as a personal hygiene product. Using any product that contains asbestos, including cosmetics and baby powder, could expose a consumer to the risk of serious illnesses and health conditions.
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that is safe for humans. It contains silicon, oxygen, hydrogen and magnesium. Talc is found in dozens of consumer goods – namely cosmetic and hygiene products. For decades, companies have used talc as a staple ingredient in powders, deodorants and makeups, as well as many food products. While talc alone is not dangerous to humans, talc contaminated with asbestos could be deadly.
In October 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder products after they tested positive for traces of asbestos. The recalled product in question was Johnson’s Baby Powder Lot #22318RB. The FDA advised consumers to stop using and purchasing this specific lot after a sample of it tested positive for asbestos. Unfortunately, thousands of consumers may have already been exposed to asbestos through the use of this baby powder.
The FDA has spent several years researching a possible connection between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, and litigation over asbestos-contaminated baby powder has continued to grow since then. In 2018, a Missouri jury awarded 22 women a combined $4.69 billion in a case known as Ingham v. Johnson & Johnson; an appeals court later reduced that award to roughly $2.12 billion, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear J&J’s appeal, leaving the reduced verdict in place. Johnson & Johnson discontinued talc-based baby powder in North America in 2020 and worldwide in 2023, replacing it with a cornstarch formula. Most of these lawsuits allege that Johnson & Johnson knew their products contained asbestos, yet sold them anyway. As of 2026, roughly 69,000 talc-related lawsuits remain pending nationwide after three separate bankruptcy filings by a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary were each rejected by federal courts; following the most recent dismissal in March 2026, Johnson & Johnson proposed a $5.5 billion global settlement in July 2026 to resolve the claims outside of bankruptcy, with potential payouts to qualifying claimants as soon as 2027.
Johnson & Johnson discontinued its talc-based baby powder in North America in 2020 and worldwide in 2023, replacing it with a cornstarch-based formula, largely in response to the ongoing asbestos litigation.
Yes. Tens of thousands of claims remain pending nationwide, and new claims continue to be filed by people diagnosed with mesothelioma or ovarian cancer after long-term use of talc-based baby powder.
Johnson & Johnson has attempted three times to route talc claims through a subsidiary’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in an effort to cap its liability, but federal courts have rejected each attempt.
The main illnesses linked to asbestos exposure from contaminated talc products are mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and asbestosis.
A successful claim could provide compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages tied to an asbestos-related diagnosis.
If you or someone you love has used Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder products and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or ovarian cancer, talk to a knowledgeable New York asbestos attorney at The Williams Law Firm, P.C. Attorney Joseph P. Williams has never lost a mesothelioma case and can help you understand whether you qualify for compensation through the ongoing litigation against Johnson & Johnson. A successful product liability lawsuit could lead to financial compensation to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
As the founding partner of Williams Law Firm, Joseph P. Williams has dedicated over 30 years to representing mesothelioma victims and their families. His firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for those affected by asbestos exposure, offering personalized, aggressive legal advocacy. Based in New York, Williams Law Firm provides free consultations and handles cases nationwide.
