Johnson & Johnson is under fire in the United Kingdom as more than 3,000 individuals have launched a landmark lawsuit alleging the company’s iconic baby powder caused cancer due to asbestos contamination—a claim J&J has long denied .
Table of Contents
- The Allegations: Asbestos in Baby Powder?
- A Global Legal Battle Decades in the Making
- What Makes the UK Lawsuit Unique?
- Johnson & Johnson’s Defense
- Understanding the Health Risks of Talc and Asbestos
- What Happens Next?
- Sources
The Allegations: Asbestos in Baby Powder?
At the heart of the UK lawsuit is a damning claim: that Johnson & Johnson knew for decades its talc-based baby powder was contaminated with carcinogenic fibers, including asbestos, yet continued to market it as safe for infants and adults alike . Plaintiffs—many diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma—argue the company concealed scientific evidence and failed to warn consumers .
A Global Legal Battle Decades in the Making
This isn’t the first time J&J has faced such accusations. In the U.S., the company has been embroiled in tens of thousands of similar lawsuits, with juries awarding billions in damages. In January 2025 alone, a U.S. judge rejected J&J’s third attempt to finalize a $10 billion settlement to resolve the ongoing talc litigation .
Despite pulling talc-based baby powder from North American shelves in 2023, J&J continued selling it in other markets—raising questions about corporate accountability and global product safety standards .
What Makes the UK Lawsuit Unique?
Filed by law firm KP Law, this case marks the first mass tort action against Johnson & Johnson in the UK over its baby powder . With over 3,000 claimants, it’s one of the largest consumer health lawsuits in British legal history .
Unlike U.S. courts, UK proceedings typically don’t allow punitive damages, but the sheer volume of plaintiffs and the severity of alleged harm could pressure J&J into a substantial settlement or force a public reckoning over internal documents.
Johnson & Johnson’s Defense
Johnson & Johnson maintains that its talc products are safe, asbestos-free, and backed by decades of scientific research. The company states: “We will vigorously defend the safety of our products and the integrity of our science” .
However, internal company memos and testimony from former employees in past U.S. trials have suggested executives were aware of contamination risks as early as the 1970s—a narrative plaintiffs hope to revive in UK courts.
Understanding the Health Risks of Talc and Asbestos
Talc, a naturally occurring mineral, is often found near asbestos deposits. If not properly purified, talc can contain trace amounts of asbestos—a known carcinogen linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer when used in genital hygiene .
While regulatory agencies like the FDA and EU Commission have set strict limits on asbestos in consumer products, critics argue testing methods vary and enforcement is inconsistent.
Reported Conditions Linked to Talc Use:
- Ovarian Cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Lung Cancer (inhalation risk)
- Chronic Respiratory Issues
What Happens Next?
The UK case is expected to unfold over several years. Legal experts suggest it could lead to:
- Disclosure of internal J&J documents not previously seen in European courts
- Stricter EU regulations on cosmetic talc
- A wave of similar lawsuits across Europe
For now, thousands of British families await their day in court—seeking not just compensation, but transparency and accountability from one of the world’s most trusted healthcare brands.
