AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced he has sued two manufacturers, 3M and DuPont, for alleged misrepresentations and key omissions of poly-fluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) made in advertising the safety of brand names such as Teflon, Stainmaster and Scotchgard.
PFAS are commonly known as “forever chemicals.” Scientific studies have shown “that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals,” according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Paxton said in a press release that for decades, 3M and DuPont knew about the dangers of the chemicals but continued to market their beneficial use in ordinary household products.
“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 the announcement.
KXAN reached out to DuPont and 3M for a comment regarding the lawsuit. DuPont has provided a statement; whenever 3M provides a statement we will update this story.
“In 2019, DuPont de Nemours was established as a new multi-industrial specialty products company. DuPont de Nemours has never manufactured PFOA or PFOS. 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,” DuPont said in a statement.
The full filing against DuPont and 3M can be read online.