Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking on 3M and DuPont in a lawsuit alleging the companies misled consumers about the health risks of PFAS, the so-called "forever chemicals," for decades.
Alejandra Martinez reports for The Texas Tribune.
In short:
- PFAS, used in products like Teflon and Scotchgard, have been linked to cancer, liver damage and immune issues, contaminating water and soil.
- Paxton’s lawsuit accuses 3M and DuPont of knowingly hiding these risks while promoting their products as safe for families.
- The case follows contamination reports in Texas, including farmers unable to use poisoned land due to PFAS-laced fertilizers.
Key quote:
"These companies knew for decades that PFAS chemicals could cause serious harm to human health yet continued to advertise them as safe for household use around families and children."
— Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General
Why this matters:
PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are practically indestructible, making them a godsend for manufacturers and a nightmare for the planet. PFAS contamination affects millions, circulating in drinking water and human blood. While Paxton’s move could be a turning point in holding corporations accountable it's also subject to the slow grind of justice. Read more: PFAS on our shelves and in our bodies.
