At trial over the link between talcum powder and cancer, an internal Johnson & Johnson memo from September 1997 was introduced
which suggested that “anybody who denies [the] risks” between “hygienic” talc use and ovarian cancer would be publicly perceived in
the same light as those who denied a link between smoking cigarettes and cancer: “Denying the obvious in the face of all evidence to
the contrary.”

After considering all of the evidence, including this memo, the jury decided that there is a connection between the use of talc and cancer
and awarded the plaintiff $72 million in damages. The damages were paid to the family of a woman who died of ovarian cancer after
decades of using Johnson & Johnson baby powder and other products containing talc.

Talc is a naturally-occurring mineral, mined from
the soil and used in a wide variety of cosmetic products to absorb moisture, prevent caking, and improve the products’ feel.
The Johnson & Johnson case was the first case among over 1,000 nationally to result in a jury’s monetary award. While Johnson & Johnson
is expected to appeal the decision, the results suggest a precedent for other similar cases currently moving forward against the company.