A major UK legal claim against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and its subsidiary Kenvue Ltd has reignited the national conversation about asbestos “the hidden killer” still affecting thousands of lives every year.
The case, brought by KP Law on behalf of more than 3,000 claimants, alleges that J&J knowingly sold talcum baby powder contaminated with asbestos fibres, despite internal documents suggesting the company had been aware of the contamination since the 1960s. These papers, including scientific reports seen by the BBC, allegedly reveal that J&J identified fibrous forms of talc and asbestos-classified minerals such as tremolite and actinolite in its products, yet continued to market them as safe and pure.
Instead of issuing warnings, it is claimed J&J prioritised profit and reputation, launching decades of marketing campaigns that positioned its baby powder as a symbol of gentleness and trust. One 1973 internal memo allegedly admitted the presence of talc fragments “classifiable as fibre,” while another discussed keeping research confidential to avoid public exposure. The UK lawsuit also cites evidence that J&J sought to influence regulators to adopt less sensitive asbestos testing standards, effectively masking low-level contamination.
The company denies the allegations, stating its products met all regulatory standards and never contained asbestos. Its co-defendant, Kenvue Ltd, has also rejected the claims, insisting that testing over decades confirmed the product’s safety. However, similar lawsuits in the United States have already seen significant judgments. In October 2025, a Connecticut court ordered J&J to pay $25 million in damages to a man diagnosed with terminal mesothelioma after lifelong use of its talc-based powder. The court found that J&J had access to safer alternatives such as corn starch but continued to sell talc-based versions.
For many of the UK claimants, the impact is deeply personal. The BBC reports that Siobhan Ryan, 63, from Somerset, used J&J’s baby powder for years and trusted the brand completely. In her words:
“My mother used it and I used it. It smelt nice and was soft and lovely. When my babies were born I used it on them. I thought I was doing my best for them ”.
Diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer, Siobhan believes the product she thought was safe contributed to her illness. Her experience mirrors that of countless others who used the powder as part of everyday family care.
The case highlights how asbestos exposure is not limited to industrial workplaces but can arise from consumer products once seen as harmless. Before its dangers were widely known, asbestos was used in over 4,000 products for its insulation and resistance to heat and fire. It was added to cement, insulation boards, ceiling tiles, brake pads and, as seen in the J&J case, even consumer talcum powders. Although asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, it remains present in an estimated 1.5 million buildings, including homes, schools and hospitals. It is often mixed with other materials, making it hard to identify and manage. When damaged during repairs or maintenance, asbestos fibres can be released into the air and inhaled, where they may remain in the body for decades.
The long latency period of typically 15 to 60 years means that people exposed to asbestos in the 1960s and 1970s are only now developing fatal diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the UK has the highest mesothelioma mortality rate per capita in the world, with more than 5,000 deaths every year. Mesothelioma remains incurable, and most patients survive less than a year after diagnosis.
Support is available through charities such as Mesothelioma UK, which provides specialist nurses and emotional support to those affected and their families. Many legal firms also offer advice on compensation for occupational or secondary asbestos exposure. However, experts agree that the best protection remains prevention through awareness, regulation and training.
Chief Operating Officer of UKATA, Craig Evans says the J&J case underscores the urgency of education:
“With over 5,000 asbestos-related deaths every year, it’s never too early to provide asbestos awareness training. A three-hour course could save lives by helping people recognise and avoid exposure before it happens”.
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, duty holders of non-domestic premises must identify and manage asbestos risks and share that information with anyone who may disturb the materials, this includes contractors, tradespeople and maintenance workers. Yet, a HSE survey found that fewer than one in three tradespeople know how to handle asbestos safely. This lack of awareness continues to expose workers and the public to unnecessary danger.
The threat of asbestos extends beyond the UK. In October 2024, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimated that up to 2.3 million tons of rubble across Gaza could be contaminated with asbestos following years of conflict and building destruction. This contamination poses a severe health risk to civilians, construction workers and humanitarian staff, many of whom lack access to protective equipment or safe removal procedures. It is a stark reminder that asbestos is not a problem confined to history, and it remains a global public health emergency.
Craig adds “The tragedy in Gaza echoes the lesson that asbestos containing materials can silently harm generations, reinforcing the essential requirement for asbestos training to enable individuals to gain the skills and education to work safely.”
The Johnson & Johnson case may prove to be one of the largest product liability claims in British legal history, but its broader lesson is clear. Whether hidden in the fabric of our buildings or in a seemingly harmless household product, asbestos continues to exact a deadly toll. The latency of its effects means that decisions made decades ago still shape public health outcomes today. Raising awareness and ensuring proper training are vital steps in preventing future suffering.
UKATA is dedicated to enhancing the quality and standards of asbestos training with the aim to shield workers and the public from the hazards of asbestos exposure.
The association collaborates closely with its members to guarantee that they have access to the latest information, training resources, and industry updates. They provide a suite of support services to assist them in accomplishing their training objectives. Their membership encompasses a diverse array of organisations involved in asbestos training, including training providers, asbestos removal contractors, consultants, and equipment suppliers.
UKATA is fervent about promoting safe and responsible working practices, committed to working with members and partners to realise a shared vision of protecting workers and the public from the hazards linked with asbestos exposure.
References:
BBC News, Johnson & Johnson faces major UK legal claim over asbestos in baby powder (October 2025) Thousands in UK sue Johnson & Johnson over talcum powder cancer risks - BBC News
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Gaza Environmental Assessment (October 2024)
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
UKATA
World Health Organization (WHO)
Published on Friday 7th November 2025