Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launches a legal battle against chemical giants DuPont and 3M, accusing them of knowingly poisoning Texans with dangerous “forever chemicals” for decades.
At a Glance
- Texas AG Ken Paxton sues DuPont and 3M over PFAS “forever chemicals” in consumer products
- Lawsuit alleges companies concealed health risks for over 50 years while marketing products as safe
- PFAS linked to cancers, fertility issues, and other health problems
- Texas seeks to stop PFAS product sales, require risk disclosure, and impose financial penalties
- Companies deny allegations, claiming lawsuit is without merit
Texas Takes on Chemical Giants
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against chemical manufacturing giants DuPont and 3M with the goal of making America healthy again.
Shouldn’t the Democrats be doing something about this, too?
The suit alleges these companies knowingly exposed Texans to dangerous “forever chemicals” known as PFAS for decades while falsely advertising their products as safe. This legal action targets popular household items like DuPont’s Teflon and 3M’s Scotchgard, claiming the companies concealed substantial risks from both consumers and the state.
The lawsuit asserts that these companies marketed PFAS-containing products for over 70 years, all while being aware of their harmful effects for more than 50 years. PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of consumer products, from nonstick cookware to waterproof clothing. These chemicals have earned the nickname “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and their presence in the blood of nearly every American.
We’re suing @3M and @DuPont_News for deceiving the public about the safety of toxic “forever-chemicals”
Without drastic action, we’ll be dealing with the damage wrought by PFAS for generations.
We won’t let its manufacturers off the hook. https://t.co/gS68Zda8Gx pic.twitter.com/hFCi5Z5E4T
— Rob Bonta (@AGRobBonta) November 10, 2022
Health Risks and Environmental Concerns
The health risks associated with PFAS exposure are alarming. Scientific studies have linked these chemicals to various forms of cancer, fertility problems, developmental issues in children, and other serious health conditions. The lawsuit highlights the urgency of addressing this public health threat, as these chemicals do not break down easily in the environment or the human body.
Texas is not alone in its fight against PFAS contamination. Other states, including Connecticut and Minnesota, have filed similar lawsuits against these companies. The involvement of Texas, a Republican stronghold, adds significant weight to the growing national concern over PFAS contamination and corporate accountability.
Corporate Denials and Legal Strategy
Despite the mounting evidence and legal pressure, both DuPont and 3M are pushing back against the allegations. DuPont claims it is no longer the same company that historically manufactured PFAS products, citing corporate restructuring. A DuPont spokesperson, Dan Turner, stated that the company “has never manufactured PFOA or PFOS” and believes the lawsuit is without merit.
“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 spokesman Dan Turner said.
However, Attorney General Paxton remains firm in his commitment to hold these companies accountable.
Maybe he’ll join forces with Robert F. Kennedy Jr?
Now that would be a formidable team.
