Old Johnson's Talcum Powder Discovered in Adamstown Cupboard to Undergo Asbestos Testing
An old bottle of Johnson's talcum powder found in an Adamstown cupboard is set to be tested for asbestos, serving as a potential key piece of evidence in a major class action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson. The case, which will be heard in the Supreme Court of Victoria, involves women who developed mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and other reproductive system cancers allegedly due to use of the company's talcum powder products.
Historical Evidence and Personal Tragedy
The talcum powder was discovered by an Adamstown man who lost his wife to a rare form of ovarian cancer 17 years ago. After learning about the class action, he found the bottle from the 2000s hidden in the back of a cupboard. "It was in the back of the cupboard. They want to see if there's asbestos in it," he explained. He believes his wife used the powder from 2000 to 2004, and her estate will be registered in the lawsuit. The man noted that class action lawyers are seeking talcum powder samples dated across many years, with the oldest known bottle from around 1949, urging others with old bottles to come forward.
Background of Contamination Allegations
Concerns about asbestos in Johnson's talcum powder have been longstanding. In October 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration detected trace amounts of chrysotile asbestos in a sample, leading to a voluntary recall of about 33,000 bottles. A Reuters investigative report in 2018 revealed internal documents showing that from at least 1971 to the early 2000s, the company's raw talc and powders sometimes tested positive for small amounts of asbestos. The report alleged that company executives failed to disclose this to regulators or the public. Talc, mined globally, can be contaminated by asbestos as the minerals are often found together underground.
Impact on Victims and Legal Proceedings
Since launching its investigation in 2023, Shine Lawyers has received over 1300 registrations from women who believe their cancer was caused by Johnson's talcum powder. Amanda Bradley, 45, of Victoria, who is part of the class action, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 34 and is now in remission. She described how exposure to talc "turned my life upside down," leading to a hysterectomy, early menopause, and the loss of her chance to have children. The class action will allege that the products were defective, unsafe, and unfit for purpose, and that Johnson & Johnson was negligent in supplying talc with cancer-causing potential.
Broader Implications and Company Response
The lawsuit also includes individuals who had talc products applied to them as babies. In 2023, Johnson & Johnson discontinued talc-based baby powder in Australia, switching to cornstarch instead. Craig Allsopp, head of class actions at Shine, highlighted that juries in the US have awarded punitive damages against the company. Johnson & Johnson has denied its talc products were contaminated with asbestos, and a spokesperson directed inquiries to Kenvue, which separated from the company in August 2023 and retains responsibility for talc-related litigation outside the US and Canada. A Kenvue spokesperson was contacted for comment but has not yet responded.
