Jury Awards $15 Million to MA Man in Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit

A jury in Connecticut has awarded $15 million to a Massachusetts man who allegedly developed mesothelioma after decades of exposure to talcum powder products. The verdict represents another significant development in the ongoing talcum powder cancer litigation against Johnson & Johnson. The plaintiff claimed that his regular use of talc-based products contributed to his cancer diagnosis.

The lawsuit adds to thousands of similar claims alleging a link between talcum powder and various types of cancer, including mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Johnson & Johnson faces numerous talcum powder cancer lawsuits nationwide, with plaintiffs alleging the company knew about these potential health risks but failed to warn consumers. This verdict highlights the continuing legal challenges surrounding talc-based products and their alleged connection to serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions.

Background of the Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit

This latest talcum powder cancer lawsuit stems from plaintiff Evan Plotkin’s alleged exposure to Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products spanning multiple decades, beginning in the 1950s and continuing through his children’s use in the 2000s. Plotkin, a businessman, artist, and father of three, received a mesothelioma diagnosis in 2021.

The regulatory landscape surrounding talcum powder safety dates back to 1973, when federal regulations mandated that all talcum powder products be free of asbestos contamination. Despite these regulations, subsequent research revealed that many baby powder products contained asbestos, likely originating from shared mining locations of talc and asbestos.

Plotkin’s lawsuit adds to a significant history of talc-related litigation. The first talcum powder lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson was filed in 2009 by Deane Berg, leading to a unanimous verdict against the company in 2013. By September 2016, at least 1,800 lawsuits had been filed against Johnson & Johnson regarding their talc products. The company now faces tens of thousands of legal claims over the alleged link between talc-based Baby Powder and cancer. 

Details of the Jury’s Decision

The Connecticut jury delivered a significant verdict in Plotkin’s trial, awarding $15 million in compensatory damages to the plaintiff, with additional punitive damages yet to be determined by the presiding judge. The verdict came after Johnson & Johnson made no settlement offers prior to the trial.

Johnson & Johnson’s Worldwide Vice President of Litigation, Erik Haas, announced the company’s intention to appeal the verdict, citing concerns about the trial judge’s rulings that allegedly prevented the sharing of critical evidence with the jury. The company maintains that the plaintiff’s rare form of mesothelioma was not caused by talcum powder.

Broader Context of Talcum Powder Lawsuits

Scientific research has established significant concerns regarding talcum powder safety. The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer updated its stance in July 2024, stating that talc “probably” causes cancer. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in August 2024 demonstrated that applying talcum powder to the genital area can cause ovarian cancer. The scientific evidence extends beyond ovarian cancer, with studies documenting:

• Excess instances of lung cancer in talc miners worldwide
• Mesothelioma diagnoses in both talc workers and powder users 
• Increased risk of endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women

Mounting Evidence of an Alleged Talcum Powder-Cancer Link

This latest $15 million verdict represents another significant milestone in the ongoing talcum powder litigation landscape, adding to mounting evidence about alleged health risks associated with these products. Johnson & Johnson’s strategic decisions, including the discontinuation of talc-based products globally and the establishment of substantial trust funds, reflect the far-reaching impact of these lawsuits. Scientific research continues to strengthen the alleged connection between talc exposure and serious health conditions, prompting increased regulatory scrutiny and substantial settlements across multiple states.

The talcum powder controversy has fundamentally altered the personal care products industry, leading manufacturers to reformulate products and implement stricter safety protocols. While Johnson & Johnson maintains its position on product safety, the growing number of verdicts and settlements suggests a shifting legal landscape that may influence future product liability standards. These developments underscore the critical importance of consumer safety and corporate transparency in the personal care products sector, potentially reshaping industry practices for years to come.