Lawsuit Claims DC and Marvel Bibs Contaminated with Toxic PFAS Chemicals, Posing Risks to Children

A recent lawsuit filed in California alleges that popular DC and Marvel comic-themed bibs produced by Bumkins are contaminated with toxic PFAS “forever chemicals”, posing potential health risks to children. The lawsuit has named Bumkins and Amazon as defendants, citing violations of Proposition 65 which mandates warning labels on products containing harmful substances like PFOA.

Lead attorney Vineet Dubey emphasized the dangers of even minimal PFOA exposure in infants, as these chemicals can have long-lasting detrimental effects on health, potentially leading to cancer and reproductive harm over decades.

The lawsuit, brought by consumer protection group Ecological Alliance, highlights the risks associated with PFAS compounds, commonly used to make products water-resistant or stain-resistant. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues such as cancer, liver disease, and hormone disruption.

According to the suit, the allegedly contaminated bibs were manufactured in China and imported by Bumkins Finer Baby Products, a company known for producing a wide range of children’s items including the implicated superhero-themed bibs.

The concern stems from the potential ingestion of PFAS chemicals through food contact with the bibs, hand-to-mouth transfer after touching the bib, and direct oral contact such as licking or teething. The bibs’ design, including a food-catching pocket, further increases the risk of exposure.

Dubey criticized the marketing of the bibs as deceptive, noting that despite claims of safety and being free from toxic chemicals, the company’s website lists thermoplastic urethane as a material used in the bibs, which is known to contain PFOA and other PFAS compounds.

The lawsuit seeks to halt the sale of the bibs until proper warning labels are added and calls for potential reformulation of the product to eliminate PFAS chemicals. Bumkins has yet to respond to requests for comment on the allegations.