A class action lawsuit has been filed against a multinational consumer goods company, alleging that its popular K-Y brand lubricants contain harmful chemicals known as PFAS. Plaintiff Maurice Beckles filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on September 12, 2024, targeting Reckitt Benckiser LLC and RB Health (US) LLC.
The lawsuit accuses Reckitt Benckiser of misleading consumers by marketing their K-Y lubricants as "body friendly" and "gentle," while allegedly containing PFAS—synthetic chemicals linked to serious health issues such as cancer, thyroid disorders, and decreased fertility. According to the complaint, these chemicals are not listed on the product's packaging or ingredient list. Beckles claims he purchased the lubricant from a Rite Aid store in Brooklyn on June 28, 2024, under the belief it was safe for use. The plaintiff asserts that had he known about the presence of PFAS, he would not have bought the product or would have paid significantly less.
The plaintiff's allegations are based on independent lab tests that confirmed the presence of organic fluorine—a marker for PFAS—in the products. The complaint highlights that PFAS are harmful even at very low levels due to their persistence and accumulation in human bodies over time. These substances have been associated with various toxicological effects and chronic health conditions according to studies cited by Beckles.
Beckles is seeking compensatory damages for economic injuries suffered due to Reckitt Benckiser's alleged misrepresentations and omissions. He also requests punitive damages, restitution, injunctive relief to prevent further sales of the products containing PFAS without proper disclosure, and coverage of legal fees.
Representing Beckles are attorneys Joshua D. Arisohn, Matthew A. Girardi, and Caroline C. Donovan from Bursor & Fisher P.A. Case ID 1:24-cv-06412.