Tom’s of Maine Lawsuit Investigation: Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Mouthwash?
Last Updated on February 14, 2023
Investigation Complete
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have finished their investigation into this matter.
Check back for any potential updates and take a look at our open investigations here. The information on this page is for reference only.
Case Update
- February 14, 2023 - Investigation Closed
- Thanks to everyone who reached out to help with this investigation. The attorneys have heard from enough people about Tom's of Maine products at this time. If any updates become available, they will be posted to this page.
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At A Glance
- This Alert Affects:
- Anyone who purchased Tom’s of Maine’s Natural Wicked Fresh! Mouthwash.
- What’s Going On?
- Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have reason to believe this mouthwash may contain toxic PFAS chemicals and are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed on behalf of consumers.
- What Are PFAS?
- PFAS refers to a group of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their inability to break down in the environment and tendency to accumulate in the human body. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to certain types of cancer, thyroid disease and increased cholesterol levels.
- How Could a Class Action Lawsuit Help?
- A class action lawsuit has the potential to give consumers a chance to get their money back and could force the manufacturer to change its advertising.
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org would like to speak with anyone who has purchased Tom’s of Maine’s Natural Wicked Fresh! Mouthwash.
They have reason to suspect the “natural” mouthwash may contain toxic chemicals known as PFAS and are now investigating whether a class action lawsuit could be filed on behalf of consumers. They believe products sold by a company with “safe” and “natural” branding should not contain PFAS, exposure to which has been linked to cancer, increased cholesterol levels, fertility problems, thyroid disease and other health effects.
Why Might My Mouthwash Have Harmful PFAS Chemicals?
PFAS are used in many consumer products due to their resistance to heat, water, stains, oil and grease. Indeed, PFAS can be found in everything from clothing and non-stick cookware to fast-food packaging and guitar strings.
Concerns have been raised about the presence of PFAS in certain dental products as well, including toothpaste and dental floss. For these two products, PFAS chemicals are said to be used, respectively, to help inhibit tooth decay and allow the floss to move more smoothly between the teeth.
Attorneys believe certain mouthwash products may also include PFAS and are now looking specifically into Tom’s of Maine’s Natural Wicked Fresh! Mouthwash.
How Could a Class Action Lawsuit Help?
If filed and successful, a class action lawsuit could give consumers a chance to get back some of the money they spent on Tom’s of Maine’s Natural Wicked Fresh! Mouthwash and potentially force the company to change its marketing.
According to Tom’s of Maine’s website, the company spawned from two parents’ “passion for helping others live a natural life” and stands by its mission of “doing good, for real.” Tom’s of Maine claims to make products that are “good for you and the planet” – but PFAS are anything but good for humans and the environment.
Tom’s of Maine was previously hit with litigation in 2016 and 2020 for the use of so-called “bad” ingredients, with two proposed class actions alleging the company’s “natural” product labels are deceptive. One case took issue with the presence of xylitol and sodium lauryl sulfate in Tom’s toothpaste, while the other claimed several of Tom’s oral, baby, lip and body care products contain a laundry list of processed chemicals. The lawsuits have since been dismissed but highlighted the potential for Tom’s of Maine to be taken to task over its advertising.
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