Local law firms to lead Teflon class action

South Florida Business Journal, John T. Fakler
Published July 18, 2005

Two South Florida law firms are spearheading a nationwide effort against E.I. Dupont De Numours Co., alleging the chemical and manufacturing giant knew for more than 20 years that its Teflon product and chemical components had the potential to make people sick, but hid the fact from consumers. Miami law firm Kluger, Peretz, Kaplan and Berlin, working with Fort Lauderdale's Oppenheim Pilelsky, said they are filing their class action against DuPont (NYSE: DD) in federal courts in states representing more than a third of the nation's population. "The class of potential plaintiffs could well contain almost every American that has purchased a pot or pan coated with DuPont's non-stick coating, popularly known as Teflon," Kluger, Peretz principal Alan Kluger said. The lawsuits call on DuPont to pay damages to every member of the class and to compensate each for purchasing replacement cookware. The lawsuit charges Dupont had a duty to warn consumers of any potential health hazards of Teflon before people purchased cookware made with Teflon. In addition, the lawsuit asks for two funds to be created. The first fund would monitor the health of consumers who purchased cooking products containing Teflon. The second fund would pay for independent scientific researchers to further investigate the potential for adverse health effects to consumers who used cooking products containing Teflon. The lawsuit also seeks to ensure DuPont place a warning label on cooking products stating potential adverse and harmful effects of Teflon. DuPont spokesman Cliff Webb was not immediately available for comment.