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Woman awarded record $110.5 million after alleging Johnson & Johnson's talcum powder caused cancer

Company disputes scientific evidence behind accusation

Saturday 06 May 2017 17:28 BST
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A St. Louis jury has awarded a Virginia woman a record-setting $110.5m in the latest lawsuit alleging that using Johnson & Johnson's baby powder caused cancer.

The jury ruling in favour of 62-year-old Louis Slemp, of Wise, Virginia, comes after three previous St. Louis juries awarded a total of $197m to plaintiffs who made similar claims.

Ms Slemp was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012. It has since spread to her liver. She blamed her cancer on her use of the company's talcum-containing products for more than 40 years.

About 2,000 women nationwide have filed similar suits over concerns about health damage caused by extended talcum powder use.

Johnson's baby wash is arranged for a photograph in Tiskilwa, Illinois, U.S.
Johnson's baby wash is arranged for a photograph in Tiskilwa, Illinois, U.S. (Getty)

Johnson & Johnson said in a statement that it would appeal and disputed the scientific evidence behind the plaintiffs' allegations.

Associated Press

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