DuPont and 3M, two major chemical companies, have been accused of covering up the dangers of per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” These chemicals are found in a wide range of products, including fabrics, food packaging, jet engines, non-stick cookware, and more. They can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, contaminating water and soil, and accumulating in humans.
A recent study published by researchers at UC San Francisco and the University of Colorado analyzed internal documents from DuPont and 3M spanning 45 years. The documents reveal that the companies knew about the health risks associated with PFAS but failed to inform regulators, employees, or the public. In 1980, two women who worked on a PFAS chemical gave birth to children with birth defects, highlighting the dangers of exposure.
DuPont received a fine from the EPA in 2004 for its handling of PFAS chemicals, but it was only $16.45 million, a small fraction of the revenue generated by the chemicals. The study’s lead author notes that this timeline reveals serious failures in US chemical regulation and advocates for more severe penalties for companies that cover up health risks.
PFAS have been linked to various health problems, including cancer, reproductive issues, and thyroid disease. Given the scale of production and use of these chemicals, it is likely that many people are exposed to them daily. The exposure can occur through food, water, or direct contact with contaminated environments.
Source: https://twistedsifter.com/2025/08/your-body-almost-certainly-contains-toxic-forever-chemicals-that-were-covered-up-for-decades-by-the-company-that-makes-them