Applying Johnson's Baby Powder Causes Asbestos Particles to Become Airborne

Using Johnson's Baby Powder can expose users to accumulated levels of asbestos similar to those of asbestos miners when used as directed

Monday, October 14, 2019 - Thousands of potential plaintiffs have filed claims against Johnson & Johnson for cancer allegedly caused by Johnson's Baby Powder. These individuals are waiting for the results of a Daubert hearing that was conducted by a Federal judge over seven days back in July 2019. The hearing was called to examine the expert witness testimony and the actual science that is at the heart of both the plaintiff and defense cases. In addition to the pure science, at issue is the credibility of the expert witnesses from both sides that are battling to prove that their method of testing of talc for the presence of asbestos is the correct one. Talcum powder ovarian cancer lawyers offer families and persons harmed from asbestos particles in J&J's talcum powder and offer a free consultation and no obligation to file a claim.

Johnson & Johnson attorneys claim that the methods of asbestos testing that they have employed for over fifty years are sufficient to detect cancerous levels of asbestos. They argue that the more sensitive (liquid separation) method, the one used by the plaintiff's experts, is too sensitive and detects levels of asbestos that are thought to be too small to be of consequence. The plaintiff's experts such as Georgia-based microscope scientist Dr. William Longo, argue that "either asbestos is present or it isn't" and that studies show that ingesting any amount of asbestos, no matter how small, can lead to cancer or mesothelioma. The defense contends that it takes a greater quantity of asbestos to cause cancer but the defense argues that even if that were true, the plaintiffs have been exposed to extremely high quantities of asbestos from their daily use of Johnson's Baby Powder over decades, no matter how minute the individual dose. In other words, the asbestos exposure accumulates over time and causes cancer.

It is hard to argue against the point made by the defense, especially since www.cancer.org agrees that asbestos can accumulate in human lung tissue and cause cancer. "People may be exposed to asbestos in their workplace, their communities, or their homes. If products containing asbestos are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they may get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long time. Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation, which can affect breathing and lead to serious health problems."

Perhaps Johnson & Johnson would have a valid argument if talc dust and asbestos fibers were not automatically inhaled when the product was applied. Johnson's Baby Powder's packaging causes a "dust cloud" when the product is used as directed. A bottle of Johnson's Baby Powder requires that the user squeeze it to propel the powder through the air in the direction that the container is pointed, thus creating a cloud of talc and asbestos dust. If there is any doubt that the talc is inhaled one only has to recognize the fact that smelling the iconic fragrance of Baby Powder means that you have inhaled it, microscopic asbestos particles and all.