Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton takes on chemical giants DuPont and 3M in a landmark lawsuit over “forever chemicals,” setting the stage for a battle that could reshape consumer product safety standards.
At a Glance
- Texas AG Ken Paxton sues DuPont and 3M over PFAS “forever chemicals” in consumer products
- Lawsuit alleges companies concealed health risks and falsely advertised product safety
- PFAS linked to cancers, fertility issues, and other health problems
- Texas joins other states in legal action, signaling growing concern over chemical safety
- Companies deny allegations, citing corporate restructuring and safety records
Texas Takes on Chemical Giants
In a bold move to protect Texan consumers, Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a significant lawsuit against chemical industry titans DuPont and 3M. The legal action targets the companies’ use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” in popular household products such as DuPont’s Teflon and 3M’s Scotchgard.
The lawsuit alleges that these companies engaged in deceptive trade practices by marketing PFAS-containing products as safe for over 70 years, despite allegedly knowing about their harmful effects for more than five decades. PFAS chemicals have earned the moniker “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and their presence in the bloodstream of nearly every American.
Health Risks and Environmental Concerns
PFAS chemicals are used in a wide range of consumer products, from nonstick cookware to waterproof clothing. However, their widespread use has raised significant health and environmental concerns. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including certain types of cancer, fertility problems, and developmental effects in children.
“Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) is suing companies that have historically made toxic “forever chemicals,” commonly referred to as PFAS, or products that contain them, alleging false advertising over their safety.” Source
The lawsuit seeks to halt the sale of PFAS-containing products in Texas, require companies to disclose the health risks associated with these chemicals, and impose financial penalties for alleged deceptive practices. This legal action underscores the growing concern among state officials about the long-term impacts of these chemicals on public health and the environment.
Corporate Response and Legal Challenges
In response to the lawsuit, both DuPont and 3M have contested the allegations. DuPont, in particular, has argued that it is not the same company that historically manufactured PFAS products, citing corporate restructuring. The company’s spokesperson, Dan Turner, stated that “DuPont de Nemours has never manufactured PFOA or PFOS,” referring to two specific types of PFAS chemicals.
“While we don’t comment on litigation matters, we believe this complaint is without merit, and we look forward to vigorously defending our record of safety, health and environmental stewardship” Source
This lawsuit is not an isolated incident. Texas joins several other states, including Connecticut and Minnesota, in taking legal action against manufacturers of PFAS-containing products. The growing number of lawsuits reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny and demand for corporate accountability in matters of public health and environmental safety.
Implications for Consumer Safety
The Texas lawsuit against DuPont and 3M highlights the ongoing debate over chemical safety in consumer products. As more information comes to light about the potential risks associated with PFAS, consumers are increasingly demanding transparency and safer alternatives.
“These companies knew for decades that PFAS chemicals could cause serious harm to human health yet continued to advertise them as safe for household use around families and children,” Paxton said in a statement. “Texas is taking action to penalize these companies and hold them accountable for deceiving Texans into buying consumer products without vital information.” Source
As this legal battle unfolds, it may set important precedents for how chemical companies are held accountable for the long-term effects of their products. The outcome could potentially lead to stricter regulations, increased transparency in product labeling, and a shift towards safer alternatives in consumer goods. For now, Texas stands at the forefront of this critical issue, championing the cause of public health and consumer safety in the face of corporate interests.
Sources:
- Texas sues DuPont, 3M over ‘forever chemicals’ in consumer products
- Texas lawsuit accuses 3M, DuPont of concealing harm from ‘forever chemicals’
