Facing liability for PFAS pollution in several European countries, Chemours is actively lobbying the European Commission against a proposed ban on the production and use of these chemicals. The company has engaged in numerous high-level meetings with the Commission, exceeding other corporate lobbying efforts. Chemours’ lobbying efforts also include attempts to coordinate with other affected industries to oppose the restrictions. These actions highlight the significant industry resistance to proposed EU-wide PFAS restrictions, with Chemours playing a central role.
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Newly released documents reveal that 3M, despite possessing evidence as early as 1949, falsely marketed its firefighting foams as biodegradable and harmless, even though they contained “forever chemicals” linked to serious health issues. These persistent PFAS chemicals, now banned in many countries, caused widespread environmental contamination. 3M’s misleading claims, spanning decades, facilitated the misuse of these foams globally and resulted in substantial settlements for related pollution. The company has since phased out PFAS production but some types of PFAS-containing foams remain in use.
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I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration and anger as I read about the recent incident where Texas farmers claim a company sold them PFAS-contaminated sludge that ultimately led to the death of their livestock. The fact that PFAS compounds, known as “forever chemicals,” were present in the sludge is alarming, considering the severe health issues they are linked to, such as cancer, liver disease, and birth defects. The idea that this contaminated sludge was being sold as a cheap alternative to fertilizer is deeply troubling.
The Environmental Protection Agency allowing this contaminated sludge to be spread on cropland as “biosolid” fertilizer due to its high nutrient content is mind-boggling.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker