What Happened?
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has been accused of selling talc-based products contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen—despite being aware of the risks since the 1970s. It continued to market the products in the UK until 2022 or 2023, years after removing asbestos in the US.
In July 2024, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified talc as “probably carcinogenic to humans”, citing evidence of links to ovarian and other cancers.
Who Is Affected?
Madeally individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer, who regularly used J&J talc products for five or more years, may be eligible for compensation.
KP Law—formerly Keller Postman UK—is currently representing around 2,000 claimants, and has received inquiries from 4,000 people so far. Estimates suggest over 100,000 victims in the UK could be affected.
Legal Developments
UK legal action has commenced, with KP Law issuing a Letter Before Action to J&J, allowing until the end of the year to respond before High Court proceedings begin.
In the US, J&J has faced tens of thousands of lawsuits and proposed multi-billion-dollar settlements—for example, $6.48 billion over 25 years in one plan.
A US bankruptcy judge rejected a $10 billion settlement plan in April 2025, ruling J&J’s approach lacked sufficient claimants’ support and improperly sought release of claims against non-bankrupt entities.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Cancers involved | Ovarian, mesothelioma, fallopian tube, primary peritoneal |
| Company awareness | Known asbestos risks since the 1970s; delayed UK withdrawal until 2022–23 |
| Scope of UK claims | ~2,000 represented, ~4,000 enquiries, potential for 100,000+ eligible victims |
| Legal status (UK) | Group litigation underway, Letter Before Action issued |
| US precedent | Tens of thousands of cases; multi-billion dollar settlement attempts and judgments |
| WHO classification | Talc “probably carcinogenic” as of July 2024 |
What Should You Do Now?
- Check your eligibility: Have you been diagnosed with one of the cancers listed and used J&J talcum powder for at least five years?
- Register your interest: Visit the official claims site to start your claim.
- Stay informed: Be updated on legal developments—when proceedings begin, your rights under group action, and potential compensation timelines.
