A recent New Yorker article explores the troubling world of “forever chemicals” and the shocking corporate attempts to cover up the problem. PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals used in a wide range of household products, from nonstick cookware to stain repellants to firefighting foam. However, these chemicals come at a hidden cost: they don’t break down in the environment and can accumulate in the human body for years, causing serious health issues.
3M and the PFAS issue
The New Yorker article centers around Kris Hansen, a scientist who made a disturbing discovery while working for 3M. Her research revealed that PFAS was accumulating in the blood of people around the country. Despite the potential health risks this posed, 3M downplayed the dangers of PFAS and pressured Hansen to silence her findings. This pattern of corporate secrecy and disregard for public health is unfortunately not unique to the PFAS industry.
The article goes on to detail how 3M scientists knew about the dangers of PFAS for decades but did little to warn the public or take steps to mitigate the risks. Internal company documents show that 3M even pressured researchers to downplay the dangers and stop their investigations.
Health risks of PFAS exposure
Studies are increasingly linking PFAS exposure to a variety of serious health problems. Here are some of the concerning conditions potentially linked to PFAS exposure:
- Cancer: Some studies suggest an increased risk of certain cancers, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer and thyroid cancer, in people with high levels of PFAS in their blood.
- Immune system dysfunction: PFAS exposure may interfere with the body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off infections and diseases. This could leave people more susceptible to illnesses or lead to autoimmune diseases.
- Developmental issues in children: Exposure to PFAS during pregnancy or infancy may be linked to developmental problems in children, including low birth weight, delays in learning and memory, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Other health problems: Emerging research suggests potential links between PFAS exposure and other health problems, such as high cholesterol, obesity, liver disease and thyroid problems. More study is needed to confirm these connections.
Legal recourse for PFAS exposure
Lawsuits are mounting against companies that manufactured and used PFAS, alleging they contaminated water supplies and caused health problems.
Here are some signs you may have been exposed:
- You live near contaminated water sources.
- You worked in a profession that used PFAS-containing products (firefighting, for example).
- You have a family history of health problems linked to PFAS exposure.
The fight against PFAS is far from over, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you’ve been affected by PFAS exposure, legal help is available. Contact the Law Offices of Tim Misny right away.
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The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your PFAS illness claim. When you’re the victim of corporate negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so that I can evaluate your case right away.