Only legal rats will benefit from lawsuit

Virtually everyone reading this column has a pot or pan in their home made with Teflon. That magical coating has been around for 40 years or so and has proven extremely popular for Dupont, the manufacturer. But now we learn that under certain circumstances, Teflon can release chemicals that could prove harmful.

First, keep in mind that not one person has ever reported any illness related to cooking food in Teflon-coated kitchenware. And secondly, keep in mind that the only harm identified happened to rats in a laboratory that were subjected to extreme usage of Teflon products.

What's happening is a group of lawyers wants Dupont to warn consumers that under some conditions, Teflon could release substances that have the potential for harm. Not one consumer would necessarily benefit financially from the lawsuit because there has never been a claim.

But the lawyers want Dupont to pay $5 billion for not issuing warnings on their product. Keep in mind that the only real beneficiaries of the $5 billion will be the lawyers. Now that in itself should be a crime.

I doubt there is a product under the sun that could not have the potential for harm under extreme circumstances. Drink too much pure, clean water and it can kill you - under extreme circumstances. The examples are endless.

Since thus far, rats are the only mammals known to suffer any harm, let the rats sue Dupont if they want. But for the remainder of us, this product remains safe and convenient.

I get tired of hearing about lawsuits where the only ones benefiting are the lawyers. But then again, it won't bother the lawyers - they're Teflon-coated.