BLOG: Talc scandal claim FAQs: your most common questions answered

Why is talc dangerous?

Talc is often found close to asbestos deposits, meaning cross-contamination is possible when it is mined. As well as other scientific organisations, both the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the World Health Organization have found a link between talc, asbestos, and cancer.

Did Johnson & Johnson know about the cancer risk?

Early studies in the 1960s and 1970s raised concerns about the potential contamination of talc with asbestos. Despite these warnings, manufacturers such as Johnson & Johnson took no action. They also failed to inform customers about the risks of using potentially contaminated talc products. As a result, many people have developed mesothelioma and ovarian cancers caused by significant use of talc.

Why have you launched a talc claim?

When people suffer or lose loved ones due to someone else’s negligence, those at fault should be held accountable. Johnson and Johnson should have provided proper safety warnings about the potential risks of using its products. Much of the suffering and loss could have been prevented if they had.

Thousands of people in the UK may have unnecessarily been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, fallopian cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer due to talc use. This is why we have launched a talc claim: to seek justice and compensation for those affected and to hold Johnson and Johnson responsible.

How do I know if I can join the talc scandal claim?

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, fallopian cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer and have used talcum powder regularly for five or more years, you may be able to join the claim. Find out more here.

Is it still dangerous to use talc?

Although efforts have been made to ensure talc products are asbestos-free, there is still a risk of contamination. Therefore, being cautious and well-informed about the products you use is crucial. Johnson and Jonson no longer use talc to make its baby powder.

Why is talc still being sold?

Talc is still being sold because not all talc products are contaminated with asbestos, and talc itself is not inherently harmful. The danger arises from asbestos contamination, which can occur during mining. Johnson & Johnson stopped selling baby powder containing talc in 2023 and switched to using corn starch.

What do scientists say about the link between talc and cancer?

Leading scientists believe that talcum powder is one cause of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. For example:

• One study found that women who use talc regularly have a 36% higher risk of ovarian cancer.

• The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified talc contaminated with asbestos as carcinogenic to humans.

• The World Health Organization´s cancer agency has classified talc as "probably carcinogenic"; for humans.

How can I prove that talcum powder caused my (my loved one’s) cancer?

There are numerous studies demonstrating the link between the use of talc and cancers such as mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. You don’t have to prove the link. Instead, our solicitors will work with medical experts to prove our case.

Can I claim for a loved one who has passed away?

If you have a loved one who passed away due to mesothelioma or ovarian cancer and they used talc regularly, you may be able to join the claim. Register your details, and one of our specialists will be in touch.

How much will it cost me to join the talc scandal claim?

We don’t believe that the cost of legal representation should prevent people from seeking justice and compensation. That’s why we’re representing people in this talc claim on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis. This means if you lose the case, you won’t have to pay any fees, so there’s no financial risk. If you win, your legal fees may be deducted from your compensation.

What happens after I join the talc scandal claim?

We’ve created a quick and easy registration process. Once you’ve registered, your claim will be allocated to one of our legal specialists, who will be in touch to explain the next steps. You may be asked to provide supporting documents, such as evidence of your diagnosis. If you’re acting as a personal representative for someone else, we’ll need documents to prove your authority to act in that capacity.

How long will the claim take?

Typically, this type of case can take several years. While we can’t control the duration, we’ll do everything we can to progress the claim as quickly and efficiently as possible.

How much compensation will I receive if the talc scandal claim is successful?

At this stage, it’s difficult to predict the exact amount of compensation you’ll receive. But we’ll fight your corner to ensure you get the maximum compensation possible.

What happens if the claim is unsuccessful?

If the claim is unsuccessful, we’ll inform you immediately and explain the reasons why. There’s no need to worry about legal fees, as your case will be funded by a ‘no win, no fee’ agreement, protecting you from costs.

’They Knew. They Lied. We Paid the Price.’

People diagnosed with life-changing and life-limiting cancers have spoken of their ‘betrayal’ at the hands of the talcum powder manufacturers. By bringing together affected individuals in a group action claim, we aim to hold Johnson & Johnson responsible for the harm caused by its products.

If you or a loved one has developed cancer due to extensive talcum powder use, take the first step towards justice today.