When Did Johnson And Johnson Remove Asbestos From Baby Powder In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing products due to its unique properties such as heat resistance, tensile strength, and chemical inertness. However, asbestos is also a deadly carcinogen that can cause several respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer.

One of the largest manufacturers of talc-based products, Johnson & Johnson, has been involved in several lawsuits and controversies surrounding the presence of asbestos in its talcum powder products, specifically, its Baby Powder. In this article, we will explore the timeline and events surrounding the use of asbestos in Johnson & Johnson's Baby Powder and when the company removed it from the product.

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Products Containing Asbestos

Johnson & Johnson has faced numerous lawsuits regarding the presence of asbestos in its talc-based products, including Baby Powder, Shower to Shower, and other talcum products. The company has always maintained that its products were safe and did not contain asbestos.

However, several independent studies have shown that Johnson & Johnson's talc-based products may contain small amounts of asbestos. In 1930, a study conducted by a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary found asbestos in its talc-based products. Despite this finding, the company continued to use talc in its products, claiming that the asbestos levels were too low to cause any harm.

In recent years, several lawsuits have alleged that Johnson & Johnson's talc-based products caused mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases due to their asbestos content.

Asbestos and Its Cause

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibers. When these fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and cause severe respiratory diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

Asbestos was widely used in construction and manufacturing products until the 1970s when its dangers became widely known. However, products that were manufactured before the 1970s may still contain asbestos, and exposure to these products can pose a severe health risk.

Johnson & Johnson's Use of Asbestos

Johnson & Johnson was a significant user of talc in its products, and it is believed that the company was aware of the potential risk of asbestos contamination in its talc-based products. Internal documents and memos released during the ongoing litigation reveal that Johnson & Johnson knew about asbestos in its products since the 1970s.

Despite this knowledge, Johnson & Johnson continued to market its talc-based products as safe and free from asbestos. The company's defense has been that any trace amounts of asbestos found in its products were due to their natural occurrence in the environment and were not intentionally added to the products.

Using Baby Powder Products

Johnson & Johnson's Baby Powder is one of the most popular talc-based products, and it has been used for decades by parents to keep their babies dry and prevent diaper rash. However, the presence of asbestos in Baby Powder has raised alarm bells among consumers and health professionals.

Several studies have linked the use of talcum powder to an increased risk of ovarian cancer, and some studies have also suggested a link between talc and lung cancer. In July 2018, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $4.7 billion in damages to 22 women who claimed that the company's talc-based products, including Baby Powder, caused ovarian cancer.

Research Regarding Talc and Asbestos

Numerous studies and research have been conducted to determine the extent of asbestos contamination in talc-based products, including Baby Powder. Some of these studies have found that Johnson & Johnson's talc-based products were contaminated with asbestos, while others have found no evidence of such contamination.

In 2018, the FDA conducted a survey of talc-based cosmetics products, including Johnson & Johnson's Baby Powder. The survey found trace levels of asbestos in some of the products, prompting Johnson & Johnson to recall 33,000 bottles of Baby Powder.

Lawsuits Against Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson is facing over 20,000 lawsuits related to its talc-based products, including Baby Powder. Several victims and their families have been awarded significant settlements and damages in lawsuits against the company.

In February 2019, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $29.4 million to a woman who claimed that her mesothelioma was caused by her regular use of Baby Powder. In May 2020, the company announced that it was discontinuing the sale of talc-based Baby Powder in North America and Canada, citing changing consumer habits, misinformation, and litigation.

Bankruptcy Subsidiary

In October 2021, Johnson & Johnson's subsidiary, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to settle the thousands of lawsuits filed against the company. This move is expected to protect the company from further litigation and claims related to its talc-based products.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a dangerous carcinogen that can cause severe respiratory diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Johnson & Johnson's Baby Powder, one of the most popular talc-based products, has been at the center of numerous lawsuits and controversies related to asbestos contamination.

Despite the company's claims that its products were safe, several studies and internal documents have revealed that Johnson & Johnson knew about the potential risk of asbestos in its talc-based products. In October 2021, the company's subsidiary filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to settle the thousands of lawsuits filed against them.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we provide affordable and reliable asbestos removal services to homeowners and businesses in Hampshire and the surrounding areas. If you suspect that your property may contain asbestos, call us today on 01962 458066, and our team of experts will assess the situation and provide you with a competitive quote for the removal of asbestos from your premises.