Following months of legal issues concerning the safety of their talcum powder products, Johnson & Johnson is facing more repercussions — some of their baby powders will no longer be sold at Walmart, Rite Aid, and CVS.
According to CBS News, the recall was based on the discovery of “trace amounts of asbestos” in one bottle of Johnson & Johnson baby powder. The asbestos was discovered in the products by the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulatory investigators.
Johnson & Johnson recalled approximately 33,000 bottles of baby powder in response. The removals from Walmart, Rite Aid, and CVS are limited specifically to Johnson & Johnson’s 22-ounce bottles of baby powder.
Johnson & Johnson has been the subject of civil lawsuits across the country that are based on claims that their baby powders and other talc-based products cause cancer. Many of the lawsuits allege that the presence of asbestos is to blame, while others identify talcum powder as carcinogenic on its own. Asbestos is a known carcinogen that can be naturally present in talc.
Talc that does not contain asbestos has been associated with cancer, particularly ovarian cancer and lung cancer. Talc, like asbestos, has a fibrous, powdery structure that can easily enter — and damage — the body. In cases of ovarian cancer, it is possible that talc particles enter the ovaries when the powder is used for feminine hygiene, and become inflamed.
Throughout the course of Johnson & Johnson’s talc-related legal woes, the pharmaceutical and personal care giant has defended the safety of their product, despite mounting claims that their talcum powders cause cancer. The recall from the shelves of Walmart, Rite Aid, and CVS further substantiates the claims of plaintiffs and presents a case against Johnson & Johnson.
If you or a loved one used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products and were diagnosed with cancer, you may be entitled to compensation. Schedule a free consultation with the attorneys of Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers to discuss your case.
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