Lawsuit filed against Teflon maker DuPont
A lawsuit has been filed in Des Moines, Iowa, charging the DuPont Co. with failing to disclose the potential dangers of using its Teflon-coated cookware.
The legal action -- a compilation of 16 separate class-action lawsuits filed across the United States -- says the manufacturer of Teflon-coated pots, pans and other cookware knew or should have known Teflon can release dangerous chemicals when heated.
The complaint, now awaiting certification by a federal judge, said the harmful substances Teflon-coated merchandise can release include a chemical recently determined to be a "likely" human carcinogen, but that DuPont has continuously maintained Teflon produces are safe, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.
The plaintiffs want the manufacture and sale of Teflon-coated cookware stopped or a warning label added to any Teflon products continued to be sold. The legal action also seeks establishment of a fund to support a study of the health effects of using Teflon.
The Wilmington, Del.-based, company says the lawsuits are without merit and that Teflon-coated products are safe when used appropriately, The Journal said.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
