WATCH: Inside the Johnson & Johnson baby powder controversy
Tens of thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson.
A container of Johnson’s baby powder made by J&J sits on a table on 13 July 2018 in San Francisco, California. Picture: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Johnson’s baby powder has long been the healthcare giant’s iconic product. But in recent years, it’s triggered an uproar.
Tens of thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson (J&J), alleging the talc-based product was tainted with cancer-causing asbestos.
Plaintiffs say that internal documents suggest the company knew of the health risks for decades. The company denies that the product, which it says it’s discontinuing this year, contained asbestos or causes cancer and points to its many legal victories and case dismissals.
The company was also among a group of companies and agencies that funded controversial experiments performed on mostly black inmates that, among other things, compared the effects of talc and asbestos on humans.
Also Read: J&J’s talc-based baby powder still on SA shelves, despite being pulled in other markets
