Johnson & Johnson loses $6 billion talcum powder case

Women who say they developed cancer through using Johnson & Johnson talc-based products have been awarded a $AUD 6.34 billion payout.

Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder is pictured in Brisbane, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016.

Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder is pictured in Brisbane, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016. Source: AAP

Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay a record $US4.69 billion ($A6.34 billion) to 22 women in the United States who alleged the company's talc-based products contained asbestos and caused them to develop ovarian cancer.

A Missouri jury found in favour of the women in the Circuit Court of the City of St Louis on Thursday.

The verdict is the largest the company has faced to date over allegations that its products, including baby powder, cause cancer. Johnson & Johnson is currently battling around 9000 talc cases.

Johnson & Johnson denied that its talc products cause cancer and that they ever contained asbestos. It says decades of studies show its talc to be safe.


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By Euna Cho



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