Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated a lawsuit against chemical giants 3M and DuPont. The legal action targets the companies for allegedly misrepresenting the safety of household products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals." These substances are present in popular brands such as Teflon, Stainmaster, and Scotchgard.
PFAS are termed "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, including cancer and thyroid disease. They accumulate over time in animals, plants, drinking water, and human blood. The lawsuit claims that both 3M and DuPont have been aware of these dangers for decades but continued to market their products as safe. The filing states: “Defendants marketed products containing harmful PFAS chemicals for over 70 years and were aware of the harmful effects of PFAS chemicals for over 50 years. Despite this knowledge, Defendants continued to market PFAS products and chemicals in Texas and elsewhere as safe for consumer use, misrepresent their environmental and biological risks, and conceal risks of harm from the public.”
Attorney General Paxton commented on the issue: “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.” He emphasized Texas's commitment to holding these companies accountable.
Paxton has previously taken legal action against manufacturers of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), another product containing PFAS, due to its detrimental impact on Texas lands and waters. This latest lawsuit represents an advancement in ongoing litigation concerning PFAS.
The Lanier Law Firm along with Kelley Drye & Warren LLP will act as outside counsel for this case.