Report Alleges Johnson & Johnson Withheld Information About Trace Amounts of Asbestos in Baby Powder for Decades

Shares dropped 10 percent in the wake of Reuters' analysis

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.

A report today released by Reuters suggests that Johnson & Johnson knew about trace amounts of asbestos in its baby powder product as early as 1971. In the wake of this report, J&J shares dropped 10 percent since this morning.

Reuters analyzed company memos, confidential documents and other internal documents and found that from 1971 up until the early 2000s, the company was well aware that some of its raw talc and finished powder products contained trace amounts of asbestos, but the company never disclosed that information to consumers.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber

View Subscription Options

Already a member? Sign in