Johnson & Johnson Loses 2nd Talcum Suit

Johnson & Johnson has lost another lawsuit related to its talcum-powder products—a second in just three months. A St. Louis jury on Monday ordered the consumer-products giant to pay $55 million in damages to Gloria Ristesund, who claimed using the company’s products for 35 years caused her ovarian cancer. Ristesund’s lawyers argued the company was aware of the health risks associated with the product, but did not appropriately warn customers. She was diagnosed with the cancer in 2011. “Internal documents from J & J show it knew of studies connecting talc use and ovarian cancer but, to this day, it continues to market it as safe—neglecting any warning,” Ristesund’s lawyers said in a statement after the verdict. J&J plans to appeal.