In April 2006, a total of 16 class action lawsuits were filed from across the country claiming that the Teflon used to coat cooking products is harmful.
At the center of the case is DuPont, the company that makes Teflon.
The suits are not claiming that anyone got sick as a result of Teflon. The plaintiffs' argument takes up on the active chemical in Teflon – particularly the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts -- which has potential to cause illness. In animal tests, PFOA has been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental effects.
On July, two Florida law firms hinted on filing a similar class lawsuit with a $5 billion possible settlement payout, this time alleging that DuPont did not inform consumers of dangers of its nonstick coating Teflon.
DuPont has already issued counter statements, saying "contrary to the allegations, no reliable evidence demonstrates that there is danger to consumers from using Teflon-coated pots and pans under normal cooking conditions."
Accordingly, there is not seems any significant evidence that any user of kitchen utensils has ever been harmed by the chemicals used to make the Teflon coating. As such, the Attorneys are likely to rely on a misrepresentation theory.
Count approximately 95% of us dining Americans use Teflon-coated pans -- now doubting.