The origin of these highly toxic man-made chemicals

By Michael Hawthorne | Chicago Tribune | July 10, 2022

Read the full article by Michael Hawthorne (Chicago Tribune)

"PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, highly toxic man-made chemicals used in industrial and consumer products since the 1950s.

The chemicals have been added to nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, cosmetics, firefighting foams, food packaging and other products that resist grease, oil and water.

PFAS persist in the environment and accumulate in people, animals and aquatic life. These “forever chemicals” are in the blood of nearly every American, including newborn babies.

Industry records show 3M and DuPont, the chief manufacturers of PFAS, hid what they knew about the dangers for decades. Beginning in the mid-2000s, independent studies linked exposure to very small concentrations of certain PFAS to cancer, birth defects, reproductive and immune system harm, high cholesterol and obesity."

Location:

• North AmericaUS

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• SourcesManufacturing facilities
• Sources3M
• SourcesDuPont/Chemours
• Environment
• Wildlife
• Affected community
• Health
• HealthEndocrine Disruption
• Regulations
• AgenciesEPA
• Measurement Techniques
• Monitoring Data
• PFAS Uses