Teflon: News and Research

Teflon is a coating used by manufacturers and invented by DuPont in 1938. Manufacturers have used Teflon to enhance their products for much of the last century.

The problem is that Teflon can also be dangerous. It contains forever chemicals like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a common poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). These are toxic chemicals that can make people sick.

Forever chemicals are chemicals that aren't biodegradable. They remain in the environment forever. Over time, they poison the soil and groundwater. Forever chemicals can injure humans and animals.

Over the years, researchers have found that Teflon may contain carcinogens. These are cancer-causing agents that are dangerous to humans. American consumers who use Teflon-coated products are at risk of developing various cancers and other illnesses.

Here, we'll highlight news and research regarding Teflon. Specifically, we'll describe some of the adverse health effects of Teflon. We'll also discuss what you can do if you become sick after using a Teflon-coated product.

What Products Contain Teflon?

Thousands of consumer goods contain Teflon. Many kitchenware manufacturers design utensils with a nonstick coating. Chefs and home cooks tend to prefer nonstick pans, especially for baking.

Some of the other consumer products containing Teflon include:

• Firefighting foam
• Fireglass tape
• Pool table surfaces
• Clothing

While these products are helpful, they also put you at risk of PFAS exposure. Studies show that PFAS (and PFOAs) can harm human and environmental health. Once Teflon enters your water system, it can contaminate your drinking water. It also penetrates your soil, poisoning your fruits and vegetables.

December 2022: 3M Discontinues the Use of PFAS by 2025

3M is one of the largest manufacturers in the U.S. They use PFAS in several products, including Scotch tape and Post-its. After much pressure from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the company has promised to stop using PFAS. Their pledge indicates that they will stop using these chemicals by the end of 2025. 3M acknowledged that forever chemicals like PFAS and PFOAs carry severe health risks. These health risks include testicular cancer and kidney cancer. Its promise to discontinue the use of PFAS chemicals speaks to this concern.

October 2020: Environmental Working Group Questions DuPont's Discharging 'Forever Chemicals'

Discussions of the health concerns over Teflon began more than 20 years ago. EPA reports and other pressure from this government agency led to numerous companies promising to stop using forever chemicals.

In 2001, DuPont pledged to discontinue its use of forever chemicals by 2015. This pledge came after over 70,000 people in West Virginia got sick from forever chemicals a nearby DuPont factory released.

In October 2020, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) published a report questioning DuPont's continued use and discharge of PFOS. The report stated that DuPont was still releasing toxic chemicals into the air, soil, and water in 2020.

February 13, 2017: DuPont and Chemours Settle Lawsuit for $671 Million

Over 3,500 people sued DuPont and its spinoff company, Chemours, for injuries due to the manufacturers' use of PFOA. The companies used PFOA to make Teflon products. The plaintiffs were from Ohio and West Virginia. On February 13, 2017, the plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit, dating back to 2001, agreed to settle the matter for $671 million. DuPont agreed to phase out forever chemicals by 2015 as part of the settlement.

December 6, 2006: Journal Reports Effects of PFOA on Animals

According to the latest edition of Toxicological Sciences, PFOA is developmentally toxic and affects the growth, development, and viability of offspring in mice. This report also cites the possible effects PFOAs have on mammary tissue development and milk production in pregnant females.

In 2005, Toxicological Sciences reported liver problems in laboratory rats exposed to low levels of PFOA. In the past, DuPont had alleged that no studies on how PFOAs impacted human health existed.

November 21, 2006: EPA, DuPont Reach Agreement on Protection of Drinking Water Near West Virginia Plant

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed a consent order with DuPont lowering the PFOA concentration in drinking water for residents in communities surrounding DuPont's Washington Works facility near Parkersburg, West Virginia.

Under the agreement, DuPont would offer alternative drinking water or treatment for residents if the level of PFOA near the plant exceeded 0.50 parts per billion (ppb). The company established the prior threshold of 150 ppb under a March 2002 EPA consent order.

December 14, 2005: EPA Settles PFOA Case Against DuPont for Largest Environmental Administrative Penalty in Agency History

DuPont agreed to pay $10.25 million to settle violations of federal law alleged by the EPA. DuPont also paid $6.25 million for "Supplemental Environmental Projects." These projects examined potential sources of PFOA in the environment. It would also determine possible routes of human exposure to protect and enhance public health.

A Product Liability Attorney Can Help if You Become Sick After Using Teflon

If you or a loved one becomes sick after using Teflon-based products, seek immediate medical attention. You should then contact an experienced product liability lawyer. Most firms offer new clients a free initial consultation.

Visit FindLaw.com's attorney directory to find a lawyer near you.