Minnesota Jury Awards $65.5 Million to Woman in Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Case

A Minnesota jury has awarded $65.5 million to Anna Jean Houghton Carley, a 37-year-old mother of three, who alleged that her use of Johnson & Johnson's talcum powder products exposed her to asbestos, leading to her development of mesothelioma. Carley reported using the company's baby powder throughout her childhood.

During the 13-day trial in Ramsey County District Court, Carley's legal team argued that Johnson & Johnson was aware of potential asbestos contamination in its talc-based products but continued marketing them without proper warnings. The company ceased sales of talc-based powders in the U.S. in 2020 and globally in 2023.

Johnson & Johnson has announced plans to appeal the verdict. Erik Haas, the company's worldwide vice president of litigation, stated that the baby powder is safe, does not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer.

This case is part of a broader legal battle over claims that talc in Johnson's Baby Powder and Shower to Shower body powder is linked to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. In October 2025, a California jury ordered the company to pay $966 million to the family of a woman who died of mesothelioma, alleging she developed the cancer due to asbestos contamination in the baby powder she used.

Johnson & Johnson maintains that its talc-based products are safe and free of asbestos, citing decades of scientific research. The company has faced numerous lawsuits alleging health risks associated with its talcum powder products and has ceased global sales of talc-based baby powder amid declining demand and ongoing litigation.