Johnson & Johnson faces UK legal action over cancer-causing talcum powder claims

A major UK group action alleges asbestos in baby powder linked to cancer

Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson is facing legal action in the UK over claims that its talcum powder products contained asbestos and caused cancer in thousands of people.

Law firm KP Law says more than 100,000 people could have developed cancer, including ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, fallopian tube and peritoneal cancer after regularly using the company’s talc products.

“They knew it was dangerous”: Lawyers say company failed to warn public

As early as the 1970s, it is claimed that Johnson & Johnson knew that asbestos contamination in its talc-based products posed a serious cancer risk – but continued selling them in the UK until 2023 without consumer warnings. In 2023, Johnson & Johnson switched to a corn starch-based product despite making this change in the US in 2020.

“This once-trusted corporation knew for decades that asbestos in its talc products was dangerous,” said Tom Longstaff, partner at KP Law and the barrister leading the UK case.

“They did nothing to notify consumers, who are now paying the highest price imaginable for the sake of corporate greed.”

We’ve teamed up with KP Law to raise awareness of this claim. Have you been affected? Read more or start your claim with KP Law now.

Thousands of potential claimants step forward

KP Law is currently representing over 4,000 people who have joined the group action against Johnson & Johnson. The firm has issued a letter before action and is now preparing to file its claim against Johnson & Johnson. 

Talcum powder linked to cancer by global health authorities

In July 2024, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified talc as “probably carcinogenic” to humans, including in relation to ovarian cancer.

Who may be affected by asbestos in talcum powder?

People who used talcum powder regularly for five or more years, starting 10 or more years before a cancer diagnosis, may be eligible to join the claim.

This includes people diagnosed with:

• Ovarian cancer
• Fallopian tube cancer
• Primary peritoneal cancer
• Mesothelioma (including in men)
  

“There are thousands of women in the UK with ovarian or related cancers who could be eligible to make a claim against Johnson & Johnson,” said Longstaff.

 “Some men also qualify in relation to peritoneal cancer and mesothelioma.”

Claimants speak out: “We all used talc”

Linda Jones, 66, from North Devon, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023. She used Johnson & Johnson talc from birth until her 20s.

“We all used talc, without exception,” she said. “If there was any suggestion that it could cause harm to babies or women, it should have been taken off the market decades ago.”

Cassandra Wardle, 44, from Derbyshire, was diagnosed in 2022 and shared a similar experience:

“Johnson & Johnson talcum powder was in every home and a trusted brand,” she said. “I want to know why they didn’t change the ingredients when they knew it was dangerous.”

Substantial compensation claims expected

KP Law says potential damages would reach six figures per claimant, especially for those who have experienced major health consequences or loss of life.

In the US, Johnson & Johnson has set aside more than $13 billion (£9.6 billion) to settle similar claims.

Johnson & Johnson denies claims, maintains product safety

In response, a Johnson & Johnson spokesperson said the company has always followed advanced testing protocols and worked transparently with regulators.

“Our findings show no asbestos contamination in Johnson’s Baby Powder or in the talc we used,” the company said.

“We’ve won the majority of US trials either initially or on appeal.”

The company ceased global sales of talc-based powders in 2022, switching to cornstarch-based formulas, and discontinued UK sales of mineral-based talc in 2023.

Start your claim with KP Law now if you think you could have been affected.