All That Glitters Is Not Gold: The Johnson & Johnson Talc-Based Products Controversy
As a Black woman, it’s likely you have grown up using Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products like their baby powder. It’s also likely that you have been unaware of the long-standing controversy surrounding their baby powder. However, this week, J&J reached an $8.9 billion agreement for all present and future claims about their products causing cancer.
How did we get here, and what does this mean for our health? Let's take a closer look.
The controversy around talc-based products like Johnson & Johnson's baby powder has existed for decades. Some studies have linked their use to ovarian cancer, and recent ones found traces of asbestos in some samples, particularly affecting Black women - in large part due to their deliberate marketing practices.
J&J has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming the allegations lack scientific merit. However, their claim was refuted with a federal appeals court ruling in January.
Despite this, Johnson & Johnson pursued their legal battles via bankruptcy court, a move that did not go unnoticed. This week, they were forced into a whopping settlement agreement of $8.9 billion. It's time for them to admit that using their talc-based products carries a real risk to our health. Presently and in the future.
To make matters worse, Johnson & Johnson recalled their baby powder last year after samples tested positive for asbestos trace amounts, a fact that led to a lot of mistrust for them. However, as a solution, they have committed themselves to making cornstarch replacements for their talc-based products as early as this year. We’ll see.
We are in charge of our health, and it remains our responsibility to avoid these products and protect ourselves. That’s a truth we know.
It's also essential to keep in mind that Black women and girls are particularly vulnerable to the health risks associated with J&J's talc-based products. Many Black women use talc-based products in their genital areas as part of their hygiene routine, which further underscores the need for a product that neither contains talc nor asbestos.
With this new development, we have to be even more vigilant about the products we use and demand more transparency from manufacturers.
Johnson & Johnson's talc-based products have been at the center of controversy around cancer risk for years. This week's $8.9 billion settlement is a wake-up call to everyone to hold corporations accountable for our health. As Black women and girls, we must prioritize our health and educate ourselves about the products we use.
Avoid talc-based products, and consider alternatives that have a lower risk of cancer.
Furthermore, stay connected with us to stay in the know about what products and ingredients to avoid.