PFAS Carpet Contamination FAQ

Hagens Berman has filed a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota alleging that 3M, Chemours Company and EIDP Inc. (Old DuPont) allegedly engaged in a coverup designed to mislead the public about the alleged harms of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been used widely in carpets.

According to the lawsuit, millions of homeowners and business-owners are unaware of the risk to human health of carpets infused with “forever chemicals,” but the defendants have known of those risks for decades. 

The defendants in this lawsuit are 3M, Chemours Company and EIDP Inc. (referred to as Old DuPont in the lawsuit). All defendants sold stain- and soil-resistant products that contained PFAS to carpet manufacturers, which then treated carpets with those PFAS-infused products.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances — often referred to as PFAS or “forever chemicals” — are categorized as thousands of human-made chemicals used in products known for their ability to resist water, heat and grease. Studies report that PFAS were included in carpeting and carpet treatments to reduce and repel staining and soiling. 

A peer-reviewed study states that PFAS, used to repel fluids and stains, are linked to serious health harms in both children and adults. PFAS in carpeting can become airborne, ingested and inhaled, leading to increased negative health effects. Affected carpets and rugs have reportedly been installed in millions of homes and businesses nationwide. 

Studies show children, especially those spending increased time on the floor, are particularly susceptible to the harms of PFAS. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “[b]ecause children are still developing, they may be more sensitive to the harmful effects of chemicals such as PFAS. They can also be exposed more than adults,” in part because “[y]oung children crawl on floors and put things in their mouths which leads to a higher risk of exposure to PFAS in carpets, household dust, toys, and cleaning products.”

If you purchased a carpet and had it installed in your home or business before 2020, you could be eligible for compensation. Find out more about your consumer rights. »

Given the widespread impact of PFAS in carpets, we are unable thus far to compile a complete list of affected carpets. But if you are concerned that a carpet you purchased may contain harmful PFAS and that you might be impacted by this class action, we encourage you to fill out the form to find out more information. Our attorneys may reach out to you with more information regarding your specific circumstances. 

You may still be entitled to compensation given your exposure to harmful chemicals allegedly used in your carpeting. Fill out this form to find out more information »

Class-action lawsuits seek to level the playing field, bringing strength to a collective action to change corrupt practices. By gathering impacted consumers, Hagens Berman attorneys hold companies accountable for their alleged wrongful actions and seek relief for the impacted class. 

In this case, attorneys believe defendants may have put consumers at risk of adverse health effects due to the presence of PFAS in their carpet products, and likely concealed this fact from the public for decades. Pursuing a class-action lawsuit emboldens consumers to hold the companies accountable for their wrongdoing and seek relief for the consequences they’ve suffered due to the alleged wrongful actions. 

In no case will any class member ever be asked to pay an out-of-pocket sum. In the event Hagens Berman or any other firm obtains a settlement that provides benefits to class members, the court will decide a reasonable fee to be awarded to the legal team for the class.