$4.7 billion broadside for J&J over talc cancer claims

13 July 2018

After many years of litigation from cancer patients, a court in Missouri, USA, has ordered healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) to pay an eye-watering $4.7 billion in damages to 22 women who allege harm caused by products containing talc.

Naturally-occurring talc can contain asbestos, a known carcinogen, whereas the talc used in cosmetics such as baby powder does not.

While there is incomplete clinical evidence concerning the impact of products containing talc, a US Food and Drug Administration study found no traces of asbestos in a range of products.

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