Texas Takes Legal Action Against DuPont and 3M for Toxic 'Forever Chemicals' in Products
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Houston, Dec 13 (NationPress) Texas, the second-largest state in the United States, has filed a lawsuit against corporations including DuPont and 3M, alleging that they manufactured products containing toxic 'forever chemicals', known scientifically as per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS), and misrepresented their safety to consumers.
Among the items highlighted in the lawsuit are DuPont's Teflon and 3M's Scotchgard, which were sold to Texans while concealing significant risks from both consumers and the state, according to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The lawsuit claims, 'Defendants have marketed products containing harmful PFAS chemicals for more than 70 years and were aware of the detrimental effects of these chemicals for over 50 years.'
Reports indicate that Texas has identified PFAS contamination in various drinking water systems. According to Xinhua, citing the Texas Tribune, nearly 50 public water systems across the state have reported exceeding the US Environmental Protection Agency's newly established PFAS limits for drinking water.
As noted by The Hill, several states have previously launched lawsuits regarding these chemicals. Some of these legal actions have accused companies of false advertising, while others have sought damages for contamination claims.
In 2022, 3M announced intentions to cease PFAS manufacturing by 2025 in light of increasing environmental and legal pressures. Furthermore, DuPont separated its division responsible for PFAS-containing products in 2015.
PFAS, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, encompasses a group of synthetic chemicals extensively used in various consumer products.
Referred to as 'forever chemicals' due to their long-lasting presence in both the human body and the environment, PFAS represents over 10,000 synthetic chemicals utilized in items such as food packaging, cosmetics, clothing, and cooking utensils.
Recently, Australia's leading health authority, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), released new draft guidelines that revise the safe limit for four PFAS and significantly lower the country's acceptable limits for these 'forever chemicals.'
