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The Devil We Know

SH999PLiE・49 minutes read

A company concealed contamination, leading to animal deaths, and health issues from exposure to chemicals in Teflon cookware emerged, prompting legal action and a large-scale health study revealing significant impacts. Dupont faced legal repercussions for its actions and phased out C8 chemicals, introducing Gen X as a replacement with concerns about potential health risks.

Insights

  • Dupont knowingly concealed contamination and risks associated with C8 chemicals, leading to environmental damage, health issues, and a cover-up of potential harm, particularly to pregnant workers, indicating a prioritization of economic interests over safety.
  • The extensive study on C8 exposure revealed a link to various diseases, prompting legal actions against Dupont, a shift towards phasing out C8, and the establishment of a science panel to investigate health impacts, emphasizing the critical need for transparency, accountability, and ongoing research to address chemical risks and protect public health.

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Recent questions

  • What is Teflon cookware?

    Non-stick cookware developed by Dupont.

  • What are the health risks of C8 chemicals?

    Bioaccumulation and severe health issues, including cancer.

  • What was the outcome of the class-action lawsuit against Dupont?

    Jury awarded $1.6 million in the first personal injury case.

  • What was the purpose of the extensive health study on C8 exposure?

    To determine health effects and diseases linked to C8 exposure.

  • Why did Dupont phase out C8 and introduce Gen X?

    Due to concerns about health risks and the need for further research.

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Summary

00:00

Dupont's Teflon: Contamination, Cover-Up, and Risks

  • Sudi Dupont company obtained a permit to discharge contaminated wastewater through two farms into a stream, resulting in the death of 151 animals on one farm.
  • The company attempted to conceal the contamination, refusing to disclose details and keeping it a secret.
  • American production efficiency has led to increased output of goods, with Dupont introducing Teflon cookware with a non-stick finish developed by their research chemists.
  • Teflon cookware is easy to clean, does not require scouring, and prevents food from sticking, making it convenient for cooking various dishes.
  • Teflon cookware is safe for cooking, but concerns arose when a worker at Dupont, who was pregnant, had a baby with deformities, leading to suspicions about exposure to chemicals.
  • Dupont sent pregnant women home from Teflon production due to concerns about potential harm, indicating a cover-up of risks associated with the chemicals.
  • A farmer, Wilbur Tennant, noticed changes in water quality and dead animals on his land adjacent to Dupont's property, leading to legal action against the company.
  • Internal documents revealed that Dupont and 3M had been aware of potential risks associated with C8 chemicals used in Teflon production since the 1950s and 1960s.
  • Studies showed that C8 chemicals posed risks of birth defects and contamination, leading to the removal of pregnant women from exposure at the Dupont plant.
  • The widespread presence of C8 chemicals in the environment, including in human blood, raised concerns about the sources of exposure, with potential links to industrial waste and consumer products.

23:15

Teflon Chemicals: Lifelong Exposure and Health Risks

  • PFOS and PFOA levels in blood indicate lifelong exposure to Teflon chemicals.
  • These chemicals were sold to various companies for consumer products, airplanes, cars, and more.
  • Teflon was used to create food wraps, greaseproof wraps, cookie bags, and even popcorn bags.
  • Environmental contamination sites emerged from Teflon use in various products.
  • Teflon, under the brand name Gore-Tex, is now found in clothing.
  • Companies in Asia and Europe also started producing these chemicals.
  • Bioaccumulation and biopersistence of these chemicals pose significant health risks.
  • The chemicals are known for their bio persistence, remaining in the blood even after death.
  • Workers exposed to Teflon faced severe health issues, including cancer.
  • Dupont and 3M were aware of the risks associated with these chemicals but continued their use.

45:31

Dupont's PFOA: Hidden Dangers and Legal Battles

  • Dupont classified PFOA as a confirmed animal carcinogen and a possible human carcinogen.
  • Documents revealing this information were not disclosed to the EPA initially.
  • The EPA began to receive these documents due to a court case, leading to a significant shift.
  • Concerns arose about the safety of a popular chemical found in many households.
  • A letter regarding the Tennant case highlighted severe health issues, including blackened teeth.
  • Legal implications were discussed, with a focus on expanding plaintiffs and environmental allegations.
  • A decision was made to pursue a class-action lawsuit against Dupont.
  • The community's deep ties to Dupont complicated the decision to proceed with the lawsuit.
  • Dupont's economic interests influenced decisions to continue using PFOA despite known risks.
  • The settlement of the C8 case led to the establishment of a science panel to investigate health impacts.

01:08:43

C8 Study Reveals Health Risks and Legal Battles

  • A study required volunteers, leading to an extensive outreach campaign through various media channels to recruit participants.
  • The study aimed to determine the health effects of chemical C8, offering up to $400 for participation, including a health questionnaire and blood test.
  • The research, spanning over seven years, revealed a link between C8 exposure and six diseases, including kidney cancer and high cholesterol.
  • The affected population, estimated at 70,000 people, participated in the largest human health study globally, with significant industry interest in the results.
  • Legal actions ensued against Dupont, resulting in a jury awarding $1.6 million in the first personal injury case, highlighting the company's malpractice.
  • Dupont phased out C8 by 2015, introducing Gen X as a replacement, raising concerns about potential health risks and the need for further research.
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