Johnson & Johnson cleared of liability in talc cancer case

A New Jersey jury has cleared Johnson & Johnson of liability in a case involving a woman who alleged that the company’s talc-based products, including its baby powder, contain asbestos and caused her cancer.

After less than a day of deliberations, the jury in New Brunswick, New Jersey rejected claims by Rosalind Henry and her husband.

She had alleged that Henry’s mesothelioma, a cancer associated with asbestos exposure, was caused by the company’s talc products.

“We have deep sympathy for anyone diagnosed with any form of cancer and appreciate that people are looking for answers.

“However, Johnson’s baby powder is not the cause of this disease,” the company said in a statement.

It said decades of scientific testing by academic institutions and regulators have shown its talc to be safe and free of asbestos.