Your Undivided Attention Forever Chemicals, Forever Consequences: What PFAS Teaches Us About AI
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Apr 3, 2025 
Rob Bilott, an environmental lawyer renowned for his battle against chemical giants over PFAS, shares a cautionary tale about the impacts of 'forever chemicals.' He discusses the disturbing health concerns linked to these substances, including their effects on livestock and communities. Bilott's transformative journey from corporate lawyer to public health advocate highlights failures in corporate accountability and regulation. He warns about the parallels between the chemical industry and emerging AI technologies, urging for a precautionary approach to innovation and safety.
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Dying Cows
- Rob Bilott's career changed after a call from Wilbur Tennant, whose cows were dying.
- Tennant, whose farm neighbors a DuPont landfill, blamed white foam for his sick cows.
Early PFAS Research
- PFAS, invented around WWII, entered products before EPA regulations existed.
- Early PFAS research by DuPont and 3M, even before the EPA, revealed toxicity.
Regulatory Gaps
- Existing chemicals like PFAS were grandfathered into regulations, requiring companies to self-report risks.
- This system failed, as companies like DuPont and 3M hid harmful information for decades.
