Imerys Talc America Inc. (ITA) to Appeal Jury Verdict in Lanzo Trial

ROSWELL, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ITA will appeal the decision of a New Jersey jury that found it and
Johnson & Johnson responsible for a New Jersey resident’s lung disease.
Mr. Lanzo has mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer often linked with
asbestos exposure. The jury awarded him and his wife compensatory and
punitive damages, of which ITA’s share is $36.1M.

While ITA deeply sympathizes with those affected by all forms of cancer,
this decision is inconsistent with a great deal of science establishing
the safety of talc, including a recently published study of workers who
mined and milled talc. It is also inconsistent with previous juries
addressing the same issues, which did not find ITA's products contained
asbestos or caused any disease.

ITA follows all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory
guidelines and utilizes rigorous testing to ensure that Imerys talc
meets the highest quality standards.

ITA is confident its products are safe. ITA and its insurers are
defending lawsuits in several jurisdictions across the country, and it
will continue to vigorously defend itself against such possible claims
in the future.

About ITA

Imerys Talc America is the leading talc producer on the American
continent, with operations in Montana, Vermont, and Texas.

The company supplies premium-quality, talc-based solutions to a wide
variety of industrial applications including paints, plastics, ceramics,
rubber, paper, agriculture, adhesives and sealants, building products,
cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.(www.imerystalc.com).

Contacts

Imerys Talc America (ITA)
Dan Rene, 202-973-1325