JNJ · News · 20261020N
PFAS Product Liability Lawsuit
JOHNSON & JOHNSON · 2026-10-20 · Importance 34 · Surprise 42 · In source text
Hundreds of Los Angeles County residents filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, Essity, Edgewell, and retailer Gelson’s Markets. The complaint alleges that Carefree pantyliners containing PFOA violated California’s PFAS ban and that prolonged use caused health problems including cancers and thyroid diseases. The litigation creates potential product-liability and regulatory exposure in California, although no damages amount or settlement value was reported.
Key facts
- Hundreds of Los Angeles County residents filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson alleging they manufactured and sold Carefree pantyliners containing PFOA in violation of a California ban. source
- The lawsuit alleges that prolonged use of the Carefree pantyliners led to various health issues including cancers and thyroid diseases. source
Impact estimates
| metric | direction | stage | expected | basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| liability | negative | contingent | — | Hundreds of Los Angeles County residents filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson alleging they manufactured and sold Carefree… |