A recent lawsuit filed in California alleges that baby and toddler bibs featuring DC and Marvel comic themes are contaminated with toxic PFAS “forever chemicals,” posing a serious health risk to children who may ingest them. The suit, brought under Proposition 65, names the bibs’ US producer and Amazon as defendants, asserting that products containing PFOA, a highly toxic PFAS compound, must carry appropriate warnings in California.
Lead attorney Vineet Dubey emphasizes the potential long-term harm caused by even minimal exposure to PFAS, particularly in infants and children. PFAS compounds, commonly used in various industries for their water, stain, and heat-resistant properties, have been linked to numerous health issues, including cancer, birth defects, and hormone disruption.
The lawsuit alleges that the bibs, manufactured in China and imported by Bumkins Finer Baby Products, fail to disclose the presence of PFAS despite being marketed as safe and free from toxic chemicals. The risk arises from potential ingestion through food contact, hand-to-mouth contact, and direct oral contact, as the bibs are designed to catch falling food that children may then consume.
Dubey criticizes the bibs’ marketing as deceptive, noting discrepancies between product labels and the company’s website regarding chemical composition. The lawsuit seeks to compel Bumkins to halt sales until appropriate warnings are provided and encourage reformulation of the bibs to eliminate PFAS.
The legal action underscores growing concerns over PFAS contamination in consumer products and highlights the need for transparency and accountability in product labeling to protect public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants and toddlers.
