Up to 3,000 individuals have launched a high-profile legal battle against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J) in the UK, alleging that the company knowingly sold asbestos-contaminated talcum powder, leading to severe health consequences.

The claimants, who include those diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma and families of affected loved ones, are seeking damages at London’s High Court, asserting that J&J’s iconic Johnson’s Baby Powder caused their illnesses.

Court documents filed on Thursday accuse J&J, along with its current and former subsidiaries Johnson & Johnson Management and Kenvue UK, of concealing the risks associated with their talc-based products for decades. The plaintiffs allege that the talcum powder contained traces of asbestos, a known carcinogen, which contributed to their diagnoses. The lawsuit highlights that J&J only transitioned to corn starch-based baby powder in the UK in 2023, despite long-standing concerns about talc safety.

Lawyers representing the claimants argue that J&J was aware of the potential dangers of asbestos contamination in its talc products but failed to inform the public or take adequate action to ensure safety. “For decades, Johnson & Johnson concealed the risks, prioritizing profits over consumer health,” the legal team stated in court filings. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for medical costs, emotional distress, and loss of life or quality of life caused by the alleged exposure.

Kenvue, J&J’s former consumer health division, which now handles talc-related claims outside the US and Canada, has firmly denied the allegations. A Kenvue spokesperson stated: “Our talc-based baby powder complied with all applicable regulations, was rigorously tested, and did not contain asbestos. Scientific evidence supports that our products are safe and do not cause cancer.” The company emphasized its commitment to consumer safety and vowed to vigorously defend itself in court.

The UK lawsuit is part of a broader global reckoning for J&J over its talc-based products. In the United States, the company has faced tens of thousands of similar lawsuits, with settlements and judgments costing billions of dollars. In 2023, J&J agreed to pay $8.9 billion to resolve over 38,000 US lawsuits, though it continues to deny that its talc products caused harm. The shift to corn starch-based baby powder globally, including in the UK, followed mounting pressure from regulators, scientists, and consumer advocacy groups.

Recent investigations, including a 2024 report by the Environmental Working Group, have reignited concerns, citing historical evidence that some talc mines used by J&J contained asbestos traces as late as the 1980s. While J&J maintains that its purification processes eliminated any risk, independent studies have linked long-term talc use to increased risks of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, particularly when applied to the pelvic area.

The London High Court case is expected to be a landmark proceeding, potentially setting a precedent for talc-related litigation in the UK. Legal experts anticipate a protracted battle, with both sides preparing to present extensive scientific evidence and expert testimony. The outcome could have significant implications for J&J’s global operations and the broader cosmetics industry, which has faced growing scrutiny over talc safety.

As the case progresses, affected families and advocacy groups are calling for greater transparency and stricter regulations to protect consumers. “This is about accountability,” said one claimant’s representative. “No one should suffer because a company chose to ignore the risks.” The court is expected to schedule hearings in the coming months, with thousands of lives hanging in the balance. (ILKHA)