Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has been ordered to pay US$37.3m in damages over claims its baby powder caused four people to develop mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer.
The New Jersey state jury said the complainants’ exposure to toxic minerals in the product was substantial in causing the disease.
Throughout the two month trial, the jury heard from J&J’s toxicologist John Hopkins, who claimed the products “never” contained asbestos.
Meanwhile, the complainants’ lawyers argued corporate executives covered up findings of asbestos in the products.
In 2018, a court in St Louis ordered the heavyweight to pay out more than $4bn in damages to 22 women over similar claims.
J&J has been contacted for comment.
