Chattem Inc. – Maker of Gold Bond®
Chattem Inc. has owned the Gold Bond product franchise since the late 1990s. A 2014 lawsuit alleges that Gold Bond Powder caused one woman’s cancer. The talc used in this and similar powders is commonly contaminated with asbestos. Research has linked asbestos-laced talc to several forms of cancer.
Request a Free 2026 Asbestos and Mesothelioma Guide
Chattem Inc. History of Asbestos Use
Chattem Inc. (Chattem) started as the Chattanooga Medicine Company in 1879. The company’s involvement with asbestos-contaminated products began when it acquired the Gold Bond Powder franchise. This purchase occurred in 1996. At the time, Gold Bond powders had been on the market for nearly 90 years.
Gold Bond started as a New England area powder brand in 1908. Manufacturing operations remained quite small until the brand was sold to Martin Himmel Inc. in the 1990s. This turning point launched Gold Bond powders onto the national market. Chattem Inc. acquired the Gold Bond Powder product line from Himmel in 1996.
For many years, Gold Bond powders used talc as a main ingredient. Talcum powder mines commonly contain asbestos alongside talc. This means many talcum powder products have been contaminated with the cancer-causing mineral.
Because of public outcry and litigation, many powder makers have moved away from using talc. Gold Bond began transitioning away from talc around 2020. As of 2025, most Gold Bond powders are labeled as “talc-free.”
Chattem was purchased by pharmaceutical giant Sanofi-Aventis in 2009. The Gold Bond personal care line now includes many types of lotions and face creams in addition to body powders. They are actively sold at major retailers nationwide.
- Top doctors and clinics
- Latest treatments
- Don't lose your rights
- Free case evaluation
- Provide for loved ones
- $30 billion set aside
Chattem Inc. Asbestos Products
Like many powder makers, Chattem’s Gold Bond line used talc as a main ingredient for many years. Similar to Johnson & Johnson, Chattem recently replaced the talc in most of its powders with cornstarch. But Gold Bond powders purchased before 2020 may contain asbestos-contaminated talc.
Asbestos-laced talcum powder has been linked to serious illnesses. These include ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and mesothelioma. Consumers who used talc-based Gold Bond powders may be at risk of developing these illnesses.
Some Chattem products at risk of asbestos contamination in the past include:
- Gold Bond Clear Body Powder Spray
- Gold Bond Comfort Body Powder
- Gold Bond Extra Strength Body Powder
- Gold Bond Foot Powder
- Gold Bond Men’s Body Powder Spray
- Gold Bond Men’s Essential Body Powder
- Gold Bond No Mess Body Powder Spray
- Gold Bond No Mess Foot Powder Spray
- Gold Bond Original Strength Body Powder
Chattem Inc. and Occupational Exposure
Asbestos contamination often occurs when mining for talc. Using this contaminated talc in cosmetic products may lead to asbestos exposure. Gold Bond talc-based powders may have contained varying amounts of asbestos in the past.
Individuals who may have been exposed to these contaminated talc products include:
- Athletes
- Babysitters
- Certified nurse assistants
- Childcare workers
- Elder care workers
- Factory workers
- Home health aides
- Hospice providers
- Nurses
- Powder manufacturers
Consumers and workers may have experienced asbestos exposure through these products. Occupational exposure may have occurred while manufacturing Gold Bond Powder products. Retail store workers and makeup artists may also have been exposed to asbestos in these products.
Have a Question About Asbestos Exposure and Chattem Inc.? Ask experienced mesothelioma advocate Jennifer Lucarelli Ask a Question
Asbestos Lawsuits Against Chattem Inc.
In February 2026, a judge awarded a $24.6 million default judgment to a California man who alleged he developed mesothelioma after decades of daily Gold Bond powder use. The plaintiff claimed the product was applied to him as a child and that he continued using it personally from 1984 to 2007 as a football player and powerlifter. The lawsuit named Martin Himmel as a defendant which sold the Gold Bond line to Chattem, Inc. in 1996.
To date, litigation against the company Chattem, Inc. has mostly involved confidential settlements and multidistrict litigation (MDL). Chattem’s litigation strategy has been to aggressively resolve mesothelioma claims through private, out of court settlements before going to trial.
Chattem’s preference for out-of-court confidential settlements helps them avoid paying large verdicts that other talc product manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson have faced. For example, in December 2025, a Minnesota jury awarded $65.5 million to a woman claiming that Johnson & Johnson talc-based powder caused her peritoneal mesothelioma.
There is currently a steady rise in litigation against talcum powder product manufacturers. Lawsuits can result in compensation through mesothelioma settlements or verdicts. Experienced mesothelioma law firms can help victims understand their options. These specialized asbestos lawyers know how to build strong cases and get victims the compensation they are owed.
Sources
LexisNexis - Stephen Anderson, et al. v. BorgWarner Morse Tec Inc., et al; 2/5/2026
Court Listener - CHAKALOS v. JOHNSON & JOHNSON (3:14-cv-07079); 10/28/2024
American Cancer Society - Talcum Powder and Cancer; 8/1/2024
Environmental Working Group - Analysis: Talc-Based Cosmetics Test Positive for Asbestos; 11/25/2020
The New York Times - What Is Talc, Where Is It Used and Why Is Asbestos a Concern?; 12/14/2018
National Library of Medicine - Genital use of talc and risk of ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis; 5/27/2018
INCHEM - International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) – Summaries & Evaluations; 2/10/1998
Financial Assistance for Mesothelioma Patients
Tara Strand specializes in writing content about mesothelioma and asbestos. She focuses on topics like mesothelioma awareness, research, treatment, asbestos trust funds and other advocacy efforts.
Legally
Reviewed by
Jennifer Lucarelli
Mesothelioma Lawyer and Legal Advisor
For more than two decades, Jennifer Lucarelli has served as Legal Advisor at Mesothelioma.com. She has advocated for more than 1,000 asbestos victims, securing millions in settlements and helping them access quality medical care.