Fresh Air

The Dark Secrets Of Johnson & Johnson

40 snips
Apr 10, 2025
Gardner Harris, a freelance investigative journalist and author of 'No More Tears,' reveals alarming insights into Johnson & Johnson's baby powder saga. He discusses how the company's defense against lawsuits claiming its talc products cause cancer is faltering. Harris dives deep into the troubling history of asbestos contamination and the stark contrast between consumer trust and corporate responsibility. He highlights evolving evidence linking these products to serious health risks and the emotional impact on consumers.
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ANECDOTE

Talc and Cancer

  • J&J's baby powder popularity grew alongside research linking talc to cancer.
  • This growth in popularity and data on dangers occurred simultaneously, raising concerns.
INSIGHT

Talc and Asbestos

  • Talc and asbestos share identical chemical constituents, differing only in formation time and pressure.
  • All talc deposits contain some asbestos, and J&J knew about this in their baby powder since the 1940s-50s.
ANECDOTE

Emotional Marketing

  • J&J used emotional marketing, linking their baby powder to childhood memories and trust.
  • A 1985 commercial, aired after cancer link studies, reinforced this emotional connection.
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