Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced a lawsuit targeting chemical giants 3M and DuPont, accusing them of misleading consumers about the safety of household products containing PFAS chemicals.
PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are widely used in products like Teflon, Stainmaster, and Scotchgard. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and contamination of water and wildlife.
According to the lawsuit, 3M and DuPont knew for decades that PFAS chemicals were hazardous but continued to market their products as safe for families. “Defendants marketed products containing harmful PFAS chemicals for over 70 years…despite knowing the risks,” the filing alleges.
“These companies prioritized profits over safety, deceiving Texans into using products that pose significant health risks,” Paxton said. “This lawsuit is about holding them accountable for misleading the public.”
Paxton has been a leader in addressing the harmful effects of PFAS, previously suing manufacturers of PFAS-laden firefighting foam for environmental damage. The current case expands the focus to everyday household products.
The lawsuit, filed with assistance from the Lanier Law Firm and Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, seeks to penalize 3M and DuPont for their decades of deception and protect Texans from further harm.
