Talcum Powder Exposure
For decades, popular talc-based products were marketed as safe and gentle — even for everyday use on babies and women. Yet evidence has shown that many of these products were contaminated with asbestos, a deadly mineral known to cause mesothelioma, ovarian cancer and other serious medical conditions.
Holding Manufacturers Accountable
Despite growing scientific proof of the dangers, some talc suppliers and manufacturers continued to sell these products without warning consumers, even as internal documents revealed that they knew about the contamination risks. Instead of alerting the public, major corporations — including Johnson & Johnson — launched massive marketing campaigns portraying talcum powder as pure, clean, and healthy.
The Scope of Talcum Powder Litigation
The truth eventually came to light through lawsuits filed by thousands of women and families across the country.
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More than 90,000 talcum powder lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers and suppliers.
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Billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts have already been awarded to victims, most of whom developed ovarian cancer after years of talc use.
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In March 2025, a bankruptcy court rejected Johnson & Johnson’s proposed $8 billion settlement, allowing thousands of claims against the company to proceed in court.
These lawsuits have uncovered decades of internal evidence showing that some companies were aware that asbestos is known to be found with talc during mining and processing. Yet they failed to issue proper warnings, choosing to protect their profits instead of consumers’ health.
What Is Talcum Powder?
Talcum powder is made from talc, a naturally occurring mineral. Because of its softness and moisture-absorbing properties, talc has long been used in baby powder, cosmetics, and other personal care products.
However, talc and asbestos are often found near each other in the earth. When mining operations are not properly controlled, asbestos fibers can contaminate talc deposits — and that contamination can make its way into consumer products.
Even low levels of asbestos exposure can lead to serious and fatal diseases, including:
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Mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer caused exclusively by asbestos exposure
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Ovarian cancer, linked to long-term use of talc-based powders in the genital area
Leaders in Talcum Powder and Asbestos Litigation
We are proud to be one of the few law firms in the nation with the experience, resources, and trial record to take these challenging cases all the way to verdict. Whether you are a victim seeking justice or a law firm looking for a trusted trial partner, Iola, Gross & Forbes-King stands ready to fight for accountability and results.