Johnson & Johnson has now agreed to settle the lawsuit over the talc claims in their baby powder. The company has agreed to pay $8.9 billion over 25 years to settle all current and future claims that the company's baby powder and other cosmetic talc products allegedly caused cancer.
This settlement comes after numerous lawsuits from people claiming that the talc in Johnson & Johnson's baby powder caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
Why Is Johnson & Johnson Settling the Lawsuit?
Johnson & Johnson has settled the lawsuit to put an end to the ongoing legal battle that has been dragging on for years. Axios reported that initially, the company proposed a compensation amount of $2 billion.
Nevertheless, they have now agreed to pay $8.9 billion as a settlement to the purported victims over a 25-year period, thus putting to rest all existing and future allegations regarding talc. The company says the settlement will allow it to move on from the controversy surrounding its talc-based products.
Erik Haas, who serves as the Vice President of Litigation at Johnson & Johnson, stated that the resolution of these cases through the tort system would result in extended periods of time and substantial expenses for both the company and the system.
Moreover, most claimants would not receive any form of compensation, as per his statement. The company's subsidiary, LTL Management, Inc., will file for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy to resolve the allegations.
While the filing is not an admission of wrongdoing, Johnson & Johnson maintains that the talcum powder products are safe, according to the release. There was no application for bankruptcy protection by Johnson & Johnson or its other associated companies, and they intend to continue with their regular business operations.
What Are the Allegations Against Johnson & Johnson?
The allegations against Johnson & Johnson are that its baby powder and other cosmetic talc products contain talc, a mineral believed to cause cancer.
According to ABC, in 2019, Johnson & Johnson recalled a shipment of baby powder when a sample tested positive for a trace amount of asbestos, according to an advisory from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Sales of the talc-based product ended in North America the following year. This settlement means that Johnson & Johnson will be able to put an end to the ongoing legal battle that has been dragging on for years.
Does Talc Powder Cause Cancer?
There has been an ongoing debate about whether talc powder causes cancer. Some studies have suggested that talcum powder when used in the genital area, may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Other studies have linked talcum powder to lung cancer and mesothelioma, particularly when the powder is contaminated with asbestos.
However, the company believes that its talcum powder products are safe and do not cause cancer.
Johnson & Johnson claims to have complete confidence in the extensive research and scientific studies conducted by various medical professionals worldwide. These studies have proven that their JOHNSON'S® Baby Powder, which contains talc, is free from asbestos, completely safe, and has no link to cancer.
The company has faced numerous lawsuits over the years alleging that its talc-based products cause cancer, but they have denied any wrongdoing and stated that its products are supported by decades of scientific evidence.
Despite the controversy surrounding talc and its potential link to cancer, it is important to note that there is still no clear consensus among experts. More research is needed to fully understand the possible health risks associated with talc powder use. In the meantime, consumers should consult with their doctors and make informed decisions about their use of talcum powder.
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