Introduction: - Controversy around Johnson’s and Johnson’s
company
In 2016, Johnson
& Johnson, a leading multinational medical devices, pharmaceutical, and
consumer packaged goods manufacturer, was faced with about 1,200 lawsuits
related to its talcum powder products –Johnson’s Baby powder and Shower-to-Shower Body Powder.
Johnson’s
Baby powder has been an iconic brand.
J&J had been promoting to adults, particularly women for a long time for women hygine, talcum powder when used for feminine hygiene had been linked to ovarian cancer. The lawsuits alleged that J&J had known about this association but had failed to inform its customers about it.
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| https://www.rd.com/health/conditions/ovarian-cancer-symptoms/ |
J&J had been promoting to adults, particularly women for a long time for women hygine, talcum powder when used for feminine hygiene had been linked to ovarian cancer. The lawsuits alleged that J&J had known about this association but had failed to inform its customers about it.
Alex Gorsky chairman
& CEO of J&J had also been toeing the management’s line that the
criticism of its talcum powder was inconsistent with a hundred year of
experience with the product. Analysts were concerned whether J&J, which had
faced a number of products-related crises, would be able to maintain its reputation
as a trusted family company in a climate of mounting lawsuits.
History background
In 1894, the company launched
maternity kits to make childbirth safer for mothers and babies. The same year of
the launch of Johnson’s baby powder, which went on to become the foundation for
the company’s heritage Baby business. In 1898, the company pioneered the mass
production of dental floss made from leftover suture silk so as to make it
affordable.
What action had US court taken
over the controversy?
A US court ordered the
company to pay punitive damages worth 4.6 billion to 22 women. The 124-years-
old brand, which has been grappling with this issue since 2011 has seen a 20
percent dip in sale in the US. In March this year, J&J
re-launched its entire baby products range. The new range is known to have
eliminated dyes and suphates and has replaced mineral oils with coconut oils.
How the company has in
trouble in India?
In 2013, the food and drug
administration had closed down the J&J plant in Mumbai when they found 15
batches of Johnson &Johnson baby powder were sterilized by ethylene oxide,
which is a carcinogenic and irritants. One synonymous with baby care, pediatrician
no longer vouches for the brand.
What does talcum powder
contain?
It is made from talc, which
is a mineral made up mainly of magnesium silicon and oxygen. It absorbs
moisture well; as a result, it keeps skin dry and prevents rashes. J&J
claims there is nothing wrong with its product. But the wisely reported case
has led people, especially parents of infants, worried. The product is widely
used in India for babies who wear diapers concerns had prompted doctors in the
US many years ago to advise against the use of talcum powder when diapering
babies.
What exactly cause of
cancer?
Though some studies have
suggested a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, scientist are yet to
reach to a definite answer but findings have been mixed. Some talc, in its natural form, contains asbestos,
and the American cancer society says it is important to distinguish between
talc that contains asbestos, and talc that is asbestos-free, adding that “talc
that has asbestos is generally accepted as being able to cause cancer if it is
inhaled”. The international agency for research on cancer, which is a part of
World Health Organization, classifies talc that contain asbestos as “carcinogenic
to humans”, and says that perinea (genital) use of talc-based body powder could
be “possibly carcinogenic to humans.
Studies have looked at a
possible link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, and the findings have
been mixed. Some studies have suggested that talcum powder might cause cancer
in the ovaries if the powder particles, applied to the genital area or on
sanitary napkins, diaphragms, or condom, were to travel through the fallopian
tubes to the ovary, says the American cancer society.
No increased risk of lung
cancer has been, however, reported with the use of cosmetic talcum powder. Talc
use has also not been strongly linked to other cancers, said the American cancer
society. In sum, while there is no clear answer yet on a talc-cancer link,
those with concerns may avoid them or limit their use, experts say. An alternative
is to use cornstarch-based cosmetic products.
What does J&J have to
say?
This is not the first time
the baby products major have landed in a controversy ovary safety issues.
In October 2013, US jury
found that use of J&J’s body powder was a factor in plaintiff Deane berg
developing ovarian cancer. It did not, however, award damages in that case. Some
years earlier, the campaign for safe cosmetics, a non-profit US watchdog group,
had alleged after a round of laboratory tests that J&J baby shampoo
contained the carcinogen formaldehyde, forcing the company to pledge to
eliminate toxic chemicals from all its baby products.
Conclusion
It really
depends on individuals and couples with babies, and the advice their doctors
give them. For those who feel the need to use talcum powder, many experts seem
to believe it is okay as long as the baby does not breathe it in. other
commonsense tips that pediatricians have include not sprinkling or using a
puff to apply the powder. Which might
throw particles in the air- and to rather use hands to dab the baby; not to
apply the powder on the face; and to apply the powder only on dry in skin. The issue needs attentions and awareness, that in some cases even if there were no reports of ovarian cancers, but it can not be neglected either that in some cases some got ovarian cancer due to J&J products.
