Judge to weigh scientific claims behind J&J baby powder cases

A federal judge today will hear whether there is enough scientific evidence to continue to allow trials alleging Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder and other products containing talc cause cancer. According to the Wall Street Journal, there are some 14,200 claims against J&J, and the company has already been ordered to pay out a lot of money, including nearly $4.7 billion last year in a suit involving 22 women who said their ovarian cancer was caused by J&J’s baby powder. Many women in the cases say they used the powder and other talc products for feminine hygiene, and allege that talc particles migrate up to ovaries and surrounding areas to then lead to the development of cancer. The company says its products are safe and don't cause cancer. If the federal judge today finds there isn’t enough evidence, then the pending cases against the company could be dismissed, according to the Journal.