The sixth trial over whether Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder caused mesothelioma opened on Monday, with a defense lawyer telling a jury that the New Jersey pharmaceutical company went to “extraordinary lengths” to ensure that its cosmetic talc did not contain the toxic mineral asbestos.

The trial comes in a case brought by California resident Carolyn Weirick, diagnosed in 2017 with mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer. Weirick, 59, claims her illness was due to her prolonged use of Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder.

Christopher Vejnoska. Courtesy photo