Minnesota Jury: J&J Owes $65.5-M to Cancer Victim Who Used Talcum Powder

A Minnesota jury has awarded $65.5 million to a mother of three who said talcum powder products made by Johnson & Johnson exposed her to asbestos and contributed to her developing cancer in the lining of her lungs, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

Johnson & Johnson removed its talc-based baby powder from U.S. shelves in 2020. (Photo: Johnson & Johnson)

Jurors found that plaintiff Anna Jean Houghton Carley, 37, should be compensated after using Johnson & Johnson baby powder throughout her childhood and later developing mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure.

During a 13-day trial in Ramsey County District Court, Carley’s legal team argued that the pharmaceutical giant sold and marketed talc-based products despite knowing they could be contaminated with asbestos.

The lawyers said Carley’s family was never warned about potential dangers while using the product on their child. Johnson & Johnson removed its talc-based baby powder from U.S. shelves in 2020.

“This case was not just about compensation,” Carley’s attorney Ben Braly said. “It was about truth and accountability.”