Johnson & Johnson Loses Another Court Case Over Claims Its Talcum Powder Causes Cancer

Johnson & Johnson JNJ is being forced to pay $55 million in damages to a user of its talcum powder products.

Talc is a mineral composed of magnesium, silicon, oxygen and hydrogen.

According to CNN Money, Johnson & Johnson will pay $55 million in damages to Gloria Ristesund, who used the company's talcum powder for more than 35 years. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2011 and alleged the company knew of the possible health risks associated with talc but did not take the appropriate steps in warning consumers.

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"Internal documents from J&J show it knew of studies connecting talc use and ovarian cancer but, to this day, it continues to market it as safe – neglecting any warning," CNN Money quoted the Onder Law Firm, which represented Ristesund, as saying in a statement.

The ruling marks the second time Johnson & Johnson was forced to pay tens of millions of dollars in damages. In February, the company was ordered to pay $72 million to the family of Jackie Fox who died of ovarian cancer in 2015.

Johnson & Johnson responded to the outcome and said it will appeal the verdict.

"Multiple scientific and regulatory reviews have determined that talc is safe for use in cosmetic products and the labeling on Johnson's Baby Powder is appropriate," CNN Money quoted Carol Goodrich, a spokesperson for Johnson & Johnson Consumer as saying in a statement.

Shares of Johnson & Johnson were trading lower by 0.35 percent ahead of Tuesday's market open.