Johnson and Johnson decided to discontinue its talc-based baby powder

Johnson and Johnson (J&J) announced plans to discontinue the sale of its talc-based baby powder globally in 2023 amidst thousands of lawsuits claiming that the product caused ovarian cancer, due to the alleged contamination of asbestos, a known carcinogen.

Talc

• Talc is the softest known mineral and is mined from underground deposits.
• Chemically, it is hydrous magnesium silicate and is used in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products.
• When reduced to a fine powder, it absorbs moisture and reduce friction

Does it cause cancer?

• There is potential for contamination of talc with asbestos.
• Asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, ovarian cancer, mesothelioma and other health conditions.

Prelims Take Away

• Talc-Mineral
• Asbestos
• mesothelioma