Texans Exposed To Harmful Chemicals In Popular Everyday Items

Texas is taking on 3M and DuPont, accusing them of shady marketing around PFAS — those infamous "forever chemicals."

These chemicals are used to make products like 3M’s Scotchgard and DuPont’s Teflon nonstick and waterproof. The lawsuit claims the companies knew for decades that PFAS were harmful to health and the environment, yet they kept selling them as "safe."

Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton said in a news release,

“[Texas] is taking action to penalize these companies and hold them accountable for deceiving Texans into buying consumer products without vital information.”

What's wrong with PFAS?

PFAS don’t break down easily, so they build up in water, soil, and even in our bodies. According to the lawsuit, 3M knew back in 1963 that these chemicals were ultra-stable and didn’t degrade. But they allegedly kept quiet and let people use the products without warning them of the risks.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says this violated the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which bans misleading business practices. The state’s looking for millions in damages, claiming Texans were duped into buying products they thought were safe.

PFAS's past legal troubles

This case is a bit different from other PFAS lawsuits, which usually focus on pollution. For example, Minnesota settled for $850 million with 3M over PFAS in drinking water. Texas’ approach zeroes in on the marketing of these products.

3M says it plans to stop making PFAS by the end of 2025, but this lawsuit is about holding companies accountable and making sure people know what they’re really buying. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to cancer, immune issues, and developmental problems in kids.