J&J hit with $29M verdict in California talc case

Alia Paavola -

A California jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $29 million to a woman who alleged that asbestos in the company's talc-based baby powder caused her fatal cancer, according to Bloomberg.

The decision comes as the latest defeat for J&J, which is facing thousands of lawsuits over its iconic baby powder. The company denies allegations that the talc it uses in its baby powder causes cancer, arguing that studies have shown that talc is safe and asbestos-free.

Jurors held J&J liable for Teresa Leavitt's mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that has been linked to asbestos exposure.

The verdict is J&J's seventh loss over claims that it hid the health risks of its baby powder.

J&J said it plans to appeal the verdict.

"We are disappointed with today's verdict and will pursue an appeal because Johnson’s Baby Powder does not contain asbestos or cause cancer," Kim Montagnino, a J&J spokesperson, told Bloomberg.

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