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Steve Kherkher - November 6, 2023
Four American Airlines flight attendants have been awarded more than one million dollars in a lawsuit against the manufacturer of their uniforms. The four women, and hundreds of other flight attendants, have come forward after developing illnesses from what they believe is formaldehyde in the uniforms made by Twin Hill. The lawsuit is now shedding light on the dangers of formaldehyde in uniforms, clothing, and textiles.
At Kherkher Garcia, part of what we do is stay abreast of current issues that could impact our clients and communities. This recent verdict is massive in the fight against harmful chemicals in consumer products. But there is more work to be done to protect consumers. Consumers are unknowingly exposed to chemicals like formaldehyde on a daily basis. We believe that this risk is unnecessary and that consumers deserve the opportunity to pursue justice when they suffer due to manufacturers.
Below, our product liability lawyers provide an overview of the flight attendants lawsuit, along with providing information about the dangers of formaldehyde and what consumers can do if they become ill.
In October 2023, a jury in California awarded over $1 million to four American Airlines flight attendants who claimed that their uniforms contained formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals that caused them a variety of health problems, including rashes, headaches, and breathing problems.
The flight attendants filed a lawsuit in 2017 against Twin Hill, the manufacturer of the uniforms, and Tailored Brands, its former parent company. The lawsuit alleged that the uniforms were made with fabric that was treated with formaldehyde to prevent wrinkles. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and exposure to it can cause a variety of health problems.
The flight attendants in the lawsuit said that they began experiencing health problems after they started wearing the new uniforms in 2016. Some of the flight attendants said that they had to take sick leave from work because of their health problems. This is not the first lawsuit filed by flight attendants in recent history, and is not the only lawsuit involving formaldehyde in clothing.
Twin Hill and Tailored Brands denied that the uniforms were defective or that they caused the flight attendants’ health problems. The companies argued that the uniforms were tested for formaldehyde and that they met all applicable safety standards.
The jury in the case sided with the flight attendants and found that Twin Hill and Tailored Brands were liable for their health problems. The verdict in the case is a significant victory for flight attendants and other workers who are concerned about their exposure to formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals in their uniforms. It also sends a message to employers that they have a responsibility to ensure that their employees are not exposed to harmful chemicals in the workplace.
According to the lawsuit, Twin Hill distributed more than one million garments to more than 65,000 American Airlines employees. In the lawsuit discussed above, there were 425 plaintiffs, with only four of those cases having been resolved. Given the number of pending lawsuits and potential plaintiffs yet to come forward, it is likely there will be more litigation in the future.
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical with the formula CH₂O (or HCHO). It is a simple aldehyde and the simplest of the carbonyl compounds. Formaldehyde occurs naturally in the environment and is also produced industrially. It is a versatile chemical with a wide range of uses, including:
The amount of formaldehyde that is safe for exposure depends on the duration and the route of exposure. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for formaldehyde of 0.75 parts per million (ppm) in the air for an 8-hour workday. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends a lower exposure limit of 0.016 ppm.
Formaldehyde is used in clothing and textiles primarily for its role as a fabric finisher or preservative. There are a few reasons why formaldehyde is used in clothing manufacturing:
While formaldehyde serves practical purposes in clothing manufacturing, it has raised concerns due to potential health risks associated with prolonged or high-level exposure. The release of formaldehyde fumes from treated textiles can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, and in some cases, it may lead to skin problems and allergies.
To address these concerns, regulations and industry standards have been developed to limit formaldehyde levels in clothing and textiles, ensuring they are safe for consumers to wear. Manufacturers are also exploring alternative, less harmful finishing methods to achieve the desired fabric properties while reducing formaldehyde use.
Prolonged or excessive exposure to formaldehyde can pose several health risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of the risks of long-term or repeated exposure include:
Chronic exposure to formaldehyde has been associated with more serious health concerns. It has been classified as a human carcinogen by several health organizations, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Long-term exposure has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly in the respiratory and hematopoietic systems. Such cancer risks include:
It is important to note that the severity of the health risks associated with formaldehyde exposure depends on various factors, including the concentration and duration of exposure, as well as individual susceptibility. If you suspect you have been exposed to high levels of formaldehyde and experience persistent or severe symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
If you or someone you love becomes ill due to a product containing formaldehyde, it is essential to take several steps to address the situation and seek appropriate medical attention. Here’s what consumers can do:
If you experience symptoms like skin irritation, eye and respiratory problems, allergies, or any other health issues after using a product containing formaldehyde, seek immediate medical attention. A healthcare professional can assess your condition, provide treatment, and document your symptoms.
Discontinue using the product that may be causing your health issues. Remove it from your immediate environment to minimize further exposure. If the product is something required for your employment (such as a uniform), speak with your supervisor and report your symptoms. You can also report your illness to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Document your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and any medical treatment received. This information can be valuable if you need to take legal action or report the issue.
Contact the manufacturer or retailer to report the problem and request a refund or replacement. Many companies take consumer complaints seriously and may take steps to rectify the situation.
If the issue is not resolved through the manufacturer or retailer, consider filing a complaint with relevant regulatory authorities, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). They can investigate product safety concerns.
Be cautious with other products that may contain formaldehyde, such as certain cosmetics, household products, or clothing. Read product labels and avoid or limit the use of items with high formaldehyde content. The following household products commonly contain formaldehyde:
Raise awareness about your experience and the potential risks of formaldehyde-containing products within your community. Encourage responsible manufacturing and consumer safety practices.
If your illness is severe or if you believe the product containing formaldehyde has caused significant harm or long-term health problems, consult with a personal injury attorney. They can provide guidance on potential legal actions, such as filing a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer or distributor.
If you have been diagnosed with formaldehyde poisoning or other illnesses related to formaldehyde exposure, and you believe a consumer product is the cause, contact Kherkher Garcia as soon as possible. As a consumer, you have the right to question whether a manufacturer was negligent in their design, manufacturing, or distribution of their products. The product liability lawyers at Kherkher Garcia can help.
At Kherkher Garcia, our lawyers have decades of experience helping consumers protect their rights. We have recovered billions of dollars on behalf of clients harmed due to dangerous or defective products. Find out how we can help you by contacting us for a free consultation. Together, we will explore your situation and determine the best course of action.
Get started by calling us at 713-333-1030, or reach out to us online.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorneys Steve Kherkher and Jesus Garcia Jr., who have more than 50 years of combined legal experience championing the rights of those who have experienced catastrophic injury due to negligence.
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