India, Oct. 18 -- Johnson and Johnson's baby powder, a household name across the world including India, being used for many years and a popular choice by parents for their babies, is facing a big lawsuit over alleged cancer links.

Thousands of people in the United Kingdom have filed a lawsuit against the US pharmaceutical and cosmetics giant J&J, alleging that its talcum powder products contained asbestos that caused cancer.

The case, lodged in the high court in London, is being brought by around 3,000 claimants represented by law firm KP Law. The compensation sought is estimated at over £1 billion ($1.3 billion), the firm said on Thursday.

According to the claim, victims or their relatives developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma...