Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton unleashes legal firestorm against DuPont and 3M over decades of alleged deception regarding toxic “forever chemicals.”
At a Glance
- Texas AG Ken Paxton sues DuPont and 3M for false advertising of PFAS safety
- Lawsuit targets popular products like Teflon and Scotchgard
- Companies accused of concealing PFAS risks for over 50 years
- PFAS linked to cancer, fertility issues, and other health problems
- Texas joins growing wave of state lawsuits against chemical giants
Texas Takes Aim at Chemical Giants
In a bold move that sends shockwaves through the chemical industry, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against DuPont and 3M, accusing these corporate behemoths of deliberately misleading consumers about the safety of PFAS, or “forever chemicals.” This legal action targets household names like Teflon and Scotchgard, alleging that these companies knowingly concealed the substantial risks associated with their products for decades.
The lawsuit claims that DuPont and 3M have been peddling PFAS-laden products for over 70 years, all while being fully aware of their harmful effects for more than half a century. This revelation has sparked outrage among consumers who have unknowingly exposed themselves and their families to these potentially dangerous substances in everyday items such as nonstick pans and waterproof clothing.
We’re suing @3M and @DuPont_News for deceiving the public about the safety of toxic “forever-chemicals”
Without drastic action, we’ll be dealing with the damage wrought by PFAS for generations.
We won’t let its manufacturers off the hook. https://t.co/gS68Zda8Gx pic.twitter.com/hFCi5Z5E4T
— Rob Bonta (@AGRobBonta) November 10, 2022
The Pervasive Threat of “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS, aptly nicknamed “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have infiltrated the bloodstreams of nearly every American. These insidious compounds have been linked to a host of serious health issues, including various forms of cancer and fertility problems. The ubiquity of PFAS in consumer products and their resistance to breaking down have created a perfect storm of environmental and public health concerns.
“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.” – Ken Paxton
The lawsuit seeks to halt the sale of PFAS-containing products, mandate disclosure of associated health risks, and impose hefty financial penalties on the offending companies. This legal action underscores the growing awareness and concern surrounding the long-term effects of these chemicals on human health and the environment.
Corporate Denials and Legal Battles
In response to the lawsuit, DuPont has attempted to distance itself from its PFAS-manufacturing past, citing corporate restructuring. The company’s spokesperson, Dan Turner, vehemently denies the allegations, stating that the current DuPont entity has never produced certain toxic PFAS types and considers the lawsuit baseless.
“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” – Dan Turner
However, this corporate defense rings hollow in the face of mounting evidence and similar lawsuits filed across the nation. Texas’s involvement, given its status as a Republican stronghold, adds significant weight to the legal crusade against PFAS manufacturers. The Lone Star State’s action may well be the tipping point that forces these companies to confront their toxic legacy head-on.
A Growing Wave of Accountability
Texas is not alone in its fight against PFAS pollution. Other states, including Connecticut and Minnesota, have launched similar legal offensives, seeking compensation for environmental contamination and public health damages. This coordinated legal assault on chemical manufacturers signals a seismic shift in how society views corporate responsibility for long-term environmental and health impacts.
“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.” – Ken Paxton
As the legal battle unfolds, consumers are left to grapple with the unsettling reality that their trusted household products may have exposed them to hidden dangers for years. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for corporate accountability in the chemical industry and potentially lead to sweeping changes in product safety regulations. For now, the message is clear: the era of unchecked chemical proliferation is coming to an end, and companies will be held responsible for the consequences of their actions.
Sources:
- Texas sues DuPont, 3M over ‘forever chemicals’ in consumer products
- Texas lawsuit accuses 3M, DuPont of concealing harm from ‘forever chemicals’
