The Daily Are ‘Forever Chemicals’ a Forever Problem?
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Apr 17, 2024 
Kim Tingley, a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, dives into the alarming world of 'forever chemicals'—synthetic substances lurking in our drinking water and consumer products. She uncovers their toxic legacy, chronicling their introduction in the 1930s and the health risks they've posed since the 1970s. Tingley discusses regulatory challenges and the slow progress of the EPA in combating these enduring contaminants, raising vital questions about public safety and corporate accountability in the face of environmental crises.
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Early PFAS Concerns
- DuPont and 3M discovered PFAS's adverse effects on animals in the mid-1960s.
- They also observed health issues in plant workers and birth defects in their children, but they did not disclose this information.
Water Contamination Concealment
- DuPont knew about PFAS contamination in Parkersburg's water supply in the mid-1980s.
- Despite knowing about this issue, they failed to notify residents of the potential danger.
Self-Regulation and the Toxic Substances Control Act
- The Toxic Substances Control Act allows companies significant self-regulation.
- This lack of oversight enables companies like DuPont to prioritize profits, accepting fines as a cost of business rather than addressing potential harm.