INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Cancer victims across the country are increasingly asking whether Johnson & Johnson baby powder played a role in their health.
Attorney Ari Friedman told News 8, “It continued to sell that product for decades despite having real concerns.”
His firm represents hundreds of clients, including some in Indiana, who’ve filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson over the talc-based baby powder and other products it sold for decades.
While independent study results have been mixed, the American Cancer Society says asbestos-free talc powder has not been linked to major cancer risks.
But, Friedman claims Johnson & Johnson knowingly sold talc products tainted with asbestos, a proven cancer causer. “They had very serious doubts and concerns about their products for decades but continued to sell it because it was their golden goose.”
A reported 67,000 people have sued Johnson & Johnson over its talc-based products, claiming they contributed to ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and other health issues. A single December judgment totaled $1.5 billion for a Maryland woman.
Indiana earned $18 million of a $700 million multistate settlement with Johnson & Johnson in 2024 over its talc-based baby powder and body products, though J&J made no admission of guilt.
Friedman expects more lawsuit to be filed in 2026 after J&J’s attempts to use bankruptcy maneuvers to cover judgments was blocked in court.
Johnson & Johnson stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the U.S. in 2020, switching to cornstarch, and discontinued talc products globally in 2023. J&J described the change as a “commercial decision” and maintains talc is safe.
“These lawsuits are predicated on ‘junk science,’ refuted by decades of studies, that demonstrate Johnson’s baby powder is safe, does not contain asbestos and does not cause cancer,” Johnson & Johnson Worldwide Vice President of Litigation Erik Haas told News 8 in a statement. “The plaintiff lawyers’ business model is to roll the dice in search of jackpot verdicts.”
Thousands of U.S. cases, including several in Indiana, remain pending.
Friedman recommends double-checking all powdered cosmetic products for talc and instead opt for a cornstarch alternative.
