£3.6bn payout after talc gave women cancer
‘Stop using it’ plea by UK charities
CANCER charities have warned women to stop using talcum powder after manufacturer Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay £3.6billion in damages in the US.
A group of 22 women said its talc, “laced with cancercausing asbestos for decades” caused ovarian tumours.
The firm, said to be facing 9,000 claims over its topselling powders, plans to appeal.
The case prompted cancer charities here to repeat advice to women about not using talc on their genitals. Cary Wakefield, of Ovarian Cancer Action, said: “If you’re currently using talc, don’t panic but we advocate a ‘better safe than sorry’ attitude.” Rebecca Rennison, of Target Ovarian Cancer, said: “The normal lifetime risk of developing the disease is four out of 200. For those that using talc it could be five in 200.”
Mark Lanier, lawyer for the US women, said: “For over 40 years, Johnson & Johnson has covered up the evidence of asbestos in their products.”
The firm denies the claims.
graham.hiscott@mirror.co.uk