Texas AG Targets Major Corporations in New Environmental Legal Battle

Lawsuit document with gavel, pen, and open book.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton takes on chemical giants DuPont and 3M in a lawsuit over “forever chemicals,” raising concerns about consumer safety and environmental justice.

At a Glance

Texas AG Ken Paxton sues DuPont and 3M for false advertising regarding PFAS safety
Lawsuit targets Teflon and Scotchgard, alleging concealment of risks for over 50 years
PFAS linked to health issues including cancer and fertility problems
Texas seeks to stop PFAS product sales and impose financial penalties
Companies defend their positions, questioning lawsuit’s merit

Texas Takes on Chemical Giants

In a bold move to protect consumers and the environment, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against chemical manufacturers DuPont and 3M. The legal action focuses on the companies’ alleged misrepresentation of the safety of PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” in their popular consumer products such as Teflon and Scotchgard.

The lawsuit claims that these companies marketed PFAS-containing products for over 70 years while being aware of their harmful effects for more than five decades. PFAS, used in various consumer goods including nonstick pans and waterproof clothing, have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer and fertility problems.

Environmental and Health Concerns

PFAS have earned the moniker “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and their presence in the bloodstream of nearly every American. This ubiquity raises significant concerns about long-term health and environmental impacts.

“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 highlights the health risks associated with PFAS exposure, including various types of cancer and developmental effects. Texas is seeking to halt the sale of PFAS-containing products and require companies to disclose the associated health risks fully.

Legal and Political Implications

This legal action by Texas, a significant Republican stronghold, adds considerable weight to the growing number of lawsuits filed by various states against chemical manufacturers over PFAS concerns. The involvement of Texas in this environmental issue underscores the bipartisan nature of the concern over “forever chemicals.”

“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

The lawsuit seeks not only to stop the sale of PFAS products but also to impose financial penalties on the companies involved. This action aligns Texas with other states like Connecticut and Minnesota, which have taken similar legal steps against these chemical manufacturers.

Companies Respond

Both DuPont and 3M have issued responses to the lawsuit, defending their positions and questioning the merit of the legal action. DuPont, in particular, claims that due to corporate restructuring, it is not the same company that historically manufactured PFAS products.

“DuPont de Nemours has never manufactured PFOA or PFOS” – Dan Turner

DuPont spokesperson Dan Turner stated that the company believes the lawsuit is without merit and plans to vigorously defend its safety record. The Hill has reached out to 3M and Corteva, another company named in the lawsuit, for their comments on the matter.

As this legal battle unfolds, it will likely have far-reaching implications for the chemical industry, consumer safety, and environmental protection policies across the United States. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how “forever chemicals” are regulated and how companies are held accountable for their long-term environmental and health impacts.