Verdict in J&J Talc Powder Case Highlights Ongoing Legal Battle

On Friday, a jury in Pennsylvania awarded $250,000 in damages to the family of Gayle Emerson, who alleged that talc-based baby powder from Johnson & Johnson caused her ovarian cancer.

The Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas sided with Emerson's family, who managed the lawsuit after her death. They claimed that J&J was aware of the powder's risks but failed to warn consumers. This case is part of a broader legal battle J&J faces involving more than 67,000 similar claims.

The jury acknowledged the J&J product's hazards but the company's vice president announced plans to appeal, asserting the verdict was unscientific. Despite numerous claims, J&J maintains its talc products are safe, although it ceased U.S. sales in 2020.