Teflon and PFOA Exposure: Legal Information and Lawsuits

Teflon is a DuPont de Nemours brand name and registered trademark for a non-stick coating on many products. Teflon contains polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a compound DuPont discovered in 1938. It’s now manufactured by Chemours, a spin-off of the DuPont company.

While Teflon makes life easier for many of us, it also carries risks. Teflon contains forever chemicals like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a common poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). These are toxic chemicals that can make people sick.

Forever chemicals aren’t biodegradable. They remain in the environment forever. Over time, they poison the soil and groundwater.

Researchers have also 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.

These risks have spurred many Teflon lawsuits over the years.

This article highlights news and research regarding Teflon. Specifically, it describes some of the adverse health effects of Teflon. You’ll also learn your legal options if you become sick after using a Teflon-coated product. If you are experiencing health problems you attribute to Teflon, legal help is available. Contact a product liability attorney or toxic torts attorney near you for targeted legal advice.

What Products Contain Teflon?

Thousands of consumer goods contain Teflon. For example, many kitchenware manufacturers design utensils with a nonstick coating. Some chefs and home cooks prefer nonstick pans, especially for baking.  

Some of the other consumer products containing Teflon include:

• Pool table surfaces
• Clothing and apparel
• Cooking utensils, such as nonstick pans
• Automotive products
• Stovetop pots and frying pans
• Bakeware
• Metal utensils
• Personal care items

Many companies also use it for industrial applications. Teflon is also commonly found in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), or firefighting foam. It is also used in fiberglass tape, which contractors and construction workers often use.

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.

Some simple swaps can reduce your exposure to forever chemicals. For example:

• Use cast iron pans instead of non-stick cookware.
• Wear certified PFAS-free clothing, especially raincoats, yoga pants, and athleisure.
• Drink filtered water instead of tap water.

What Is Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)?

Teflon is not a natural chemical. It contains perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a synthetic chemical. Manufacturers also refer to PFOA as “C8.” They use PFOA to make fluoropolymers. Fluoropolymers have properties that make household and consumer products more durable and easier to use.

Some unique properties of PFOA include:

• Fire resistance
• Oil, stain, grease, and water repellency
• Durability

Consumer products made with fluoropolymers include non-stick cookware (such as Teflon-coated cookware) and breathable, all-weather clothing.

Is PFOA Safe?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has investigated the possible risks of PFOA since the late 1990’s. PFOA permeates the environment, and experts have found it in low levels in the environment and humans.

PFOA doesn’t decompose, and it’s not biodegradable. It falls into the class of “forever chemicals.”

Studies show that PFOA can cause developmental and other adverse effects in laboratory animals. PFOA remains in the human body for long periods of time, which may cause adverse health effects.

While the EPA confirms that PFOA exposure is potentially dangerous, it does not fully understand how exposure occurs in the general population. Because the sources of PFOA and the pathways of exposure remain unclear, the EPA hasn’t recommended any specific steps for protecting yourself from PFOA exposure.

While some believe that the EPA should categorize PFOA as a “likely” carcinogen, the EPA has only described PFOA as “suggestive…of carcinogenicity, but not sufficient to assess human carcinogenic potential.”

Presently, the EPA does not believe that there is any reason for consumers to stop using products containing PFOA. However, it has commissioned its Science Advisory Board to conduct new studies to determine how polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and PFOS impact drinking water. As of November 2021, the agency requested the board to update the EPA’s Drinking Water Advisories.

Teflon and Polymer Fume Fever

Recently, scientists have questioned the safety of Teflon-coated cookware. A class-action lawsuit brought against DuPont alleges that Teflon-coated cookware releases PFOA when heated above certain very high temperatures.

The complaint concerns DuPont’s failure to warn consumers about the dangers of PFOA exposure. DuPont maintains that Teflon does not contain PFOA and that Teflon-coated cookware is safe when used correctly. This is neither a personal injury case nor have any Americans reported injuries due to PFOA.

The only health effect reported by DuPont is a condition called “polymer fume fever.” When you heat Teflon-coated cookware to abnormally high temperatures (e.g., cooking temperatures above 500º F or 260º C), it can emit fumes. These fumes can cause temporary flu-like symptoms. Symptoms occur four to eight hours after exposure and disappear after 48 hours with no necessary treatment.

Is Teflon Linked To Cancer?

Consumers love Teflon for its non-stick properties and ability to operate at high heat. Unfortunately, there have been claims that PFOA causes cancer. For example, Ohio and West Virginia residents argued that a local DuPont factory released PFOA into the environment. They claimed it entered the water supply, causing increased rates of cancer and thyroid disease in the exposed population.

The American Cancer Society has said there is no proof that Teflon or PFOA cause cancer. Still, some researchers argue that high levels of exposure to Teflon can cause the following conditions:

• Bladder cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Preeclampsia
• Ulcerative colitis
• Low birth weight and other birth defects
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure in pregnant women
• Change in liver enzymes

If you experience these adverse health effects and believe it’s due to Teflon, contact your doctor immediately.

For FAQ about other federal environmental protection laws DuPont (and other companies) have violated, visit the EPA’s Enforcement page. Several states have initiated investigations into PFOA and its environmental levels.

Restrictions on Teflon Starting 2023

The FDA has stated that cooking and eating food on Teflon products is perfectly safe. But effective 2023, 12 U.S. states implemented laws restricting or banning all PFAS products. Maine was the first state to ban the manufacture and sale of PFAS products completely.

The other states initiating bans or restrictions on PFAS include:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Maine
• Maryland
• Minnesota
• New Mexico
• New York
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Washington

Given current trends, you can expect most other states to follow suit. Some states have chosen to restrict the use of PFAS, while others have implemented total bans on products containing PFAS.

Recently, scientists created a replacement chemical for PFOA – GenX. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before the EPA and CDC reported concerns with this compound.

Lawsuits Over PFOA Exposure

In June 2006, Parkersburg, West Virginia, residents filed a class action lawsuit against DuPont, alleging that its Washington Works plant had contaminated their drinking water supply with PFOA.

The plaintiffs alleged that Teflon manufacturers released PFOA, making class members ill and causing property damage. DuPont settled the case for $107.6 million to avoid costly litigation that could take years.

In December 2005, DuPont agreed to pay $16.5 million to settle alleged violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act. The government claimed that DuPont failed to report information about the substantial risks of PFOA.

The violations alleged by the EPA concerned potential occupational and industrial hazards due to PFOA exposure. This settlement between DuPont and the EPA had nothing to do with consumer use of Teflon-coated cookware or other Teflon-based products.

Timeline of News, Legal, and Research Updates

Keep reading for significant highlights surrounding Teflon, PFAS, and PFOA exposure.

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 EPA, the company 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 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 Water Contamination Near West Virginia Plant

The 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.

Protect Your Rights: Get Legal Help With Your Teflon Injury

If you or a loved one becomes sick after using Teflon-based products, seek immediate medical attention. Then, contact an experienced lawyer. You may have a legal claim if you have used products containing Teflon or worry you have experienced PFAS contamination in the environment.

FindLaw’s directory of product liability attorneys can get you started. Select your state or city to review contact and ratings information for local experts. Your search results will also link you to additional details about the attorneys’ experience with PFAS litigation. Most firms offer new clients a free initial consultation.