The Forever Chemical Scandal | Bloomberg Investigates

Recent questions

• What are PFAS chemicals and their impact?

  PFAS chemicals are synthetic compounds with strong carbon-fluorine bonds that do not easily break down, leading to their nickname "forever chemicals." These chemicals have contaminated the food supply, soils, and sediments in places like the Faroe Islands, causing concerns about health impacts. Companies like 3M, involved in PFAS production, faced lawsuits for environmental pollution. Studies have shown adverse effects on human health, particularly in children's immune systems and development. PFAS pollution is a global issue, with widespread contamination and the need for stricter regulations to address the risks they pose.

• Who exposed the dangers of PFAS chemicals?

  Rob Bilott, a lawyer from Ohio, played a crucial role in exposing the dangers of manmade chemicals known as PFAS. Through his work, he uncovered internal documents from companies like 3M, revealing a scientific cover-up regarding the risks associated with PFAS chemicals. Bilott's efforts led to increased awareness about the environmental and health impacts of PFAS contamination, prompting legal actions and advocacy for stricter regulations to protect communities from exposure to these harmful substances.

• What is the current status of PFAS regulation?

  The EPA has lowered safety advisories for PFAS in drinking water to just four parts per trillion, reflecting the growing concerns about the widespread contamination of these chemicals. With approximately 200 million people in the US drinking water with unacceptable levels of PFAS, there is a pressing need for stricter regulations and monitoring to address the risks posed by these persistent pollutants. Scientists are urging for group regulation of all PFAS chemicals due to their shared toxicity, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive measures to protect public health and the environment.

• How are communities affected by PFAS contamination responding?

  Communities impacted by PFAS contamination, such as the Faroe Islands and Minnesota, are taking proactive measures to address the risks associated with these harmful chemicals. Minnesota, for example, is testing new water filters to combat PFAS contamination in drinking water, while individuals like Amara Strande and Amy are advocating for awareness about the dangers of PFAS chemicals and their potential link to health issues like cancer. Efforts to hold companies like 3M accountable for environmental pollution and water contamination are ongoing, with legal actions and settlements aimed at addressing the consequences of PFAS exposure on communities.

• What are the health implications of PFAS exposure?

  High levels of PFAS in individuals raise concerns about unavoidable exposure and the potential health implications associated with these chemicals. Studies have shown adverse effects on human health, including increased cancer rates and impacts on children's immune systems and development. Long-chain PFAS like PFOA and PFOS, which have been phased out, have been replaced by chemicals like GenX, causing similar health harms. The need for informed decisions, potential lifestyle changes, and stricter regulations to mitigate the risks of PFAS exposure is crucial to protect public health and the environment from the adverse effects of these persistent pollutants.