On December 11, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against 3M and DuPont, alleging that the chemical giants have misleadingly represented the health risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.”
Allegations Against Chemical Companies
The lawsuit claims that for years, these corporations have manufactured, marketed, and sold a wide array of consumer products containing PFAS.
Many well-known items, such as Teflon and Scotchgard, have made their way into Texas households, putting consumers at risk.
PFAS have earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because they resist degradation in the human body.
Their persistence poses a significant threat, as these substances can contaminate drinking water and natural environments, ultimately accumulating in human bloodstreams.
Numerous studies have linked exposure to PFAS with serious health concerns, including various cancers.
Legal Action and Implications
Attorney General Paxton pointed out that both companies were aware of the potential health hazards posed by PFAS for quite some time.
Nevertheless, they chose to market their products as safe for families, including children.
In light of this, Texas is moving forward with legal action to hold these companies accountable for their misleading claims.
The state is pursuing civil penalties that may reach up to $10,000 for each violation of its Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Additionally, Texas is demanding interest on any restitution, damages, or penalties awarded, both before and after a judgment is made.
Broader Context of PFAS Legal Challenges
Texas isn’t alone in this effort.
Several other states have taken similar steps against major chemical manufacturers concerning PFAS issues.
For instance, in 2023, Ohio settled with DuPont and its related firms for $110 million due to environmental harms originating from a former DuPont facility in West Virginia.
Similarly, New Jersey officials reached a $330 million settlement with Solvay Specialty Polymers USA last year, which addressed the cleanup and compensation relating to the discharge of “forever chemicals” and other pollutants from a site in West Deptford.
In the midst of all this, 3M has already initiated payments on a landmark settlement worth between $10.5 billion and $12.5 billion.
This agreement pertains to claims related to fire-fighting foams containing PFAS, with the financial commitment expected to unfold over the next decade and beyond.
Source: Insurancejournal.com
