State attorneys in Michigan and Minnesota have discovered chemical companies like 3M are injuring people and the environment with their toxic chemicals. These companies created perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or “forever chemicals”. Internal documents reveal officials knew PFAS are harmful for decades, yet no one informed the public.
About PFAS
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are manmade chemicals engineered to repel both water and oil. There are different PFAS chemicals with varying properties. The two most common are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Both are water, oil and stain repellant and were popular starting in the 1950s. PFAS are in a variety of products including carpets, clothing, non-stick pans, paints, polishes, waxes, cleaning products, and food packaging. Even firefighters and the military use them in fire-suppressing foam. However, PFAS do not break down and researchers have been warning about the dangers for years.
Internal Documents Reveal Years of 3M Toxic Chemicals
3M documents come to light after Michigan officials hoped to tie 3M to PFAS contamination in water supplies. However, officials had no idea how dangerous this chemical truly was and that 3M knew. Scientists have shown associations between PFAS exposure and health risks such as thyroid disease, increased cholesterol levels, and kidney and testicular cancers.
In 1975, a doctor at the University of Florida College of Medicine called 3M to inquire about risks of PFAS. He noticed toxic chemicals in his patients with potential links to Teflon and Scotchgard. Then, in 1978 a 3M memo surfaced about PFAS testing with rats. Researchers urged 3M to stop producing the chemical since testing on rats revealed its toxicity. However, 3M never reported the results to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 3M thought there wasn’t a substantial risk. More researchers began to come forward and even suggested chronic testing on rats to determine any long term cancer from the chemicals. Yet, 3M declined.
Now, state attorneys are trying to hold 3M responsible for their greed. Not only did the company contaminate water supplies, but also sold and distributed these cancer-causing chemicals.
We Want to Help Victims
Have you used PFAS products and now have kidney or testicular cancer? 3M should have warned you. You should demand accountability. We want to also help send a message that this is not acceptable. If a dangerous product harmed you, we will be your advocate. Additionally, we have the experience necessary to successfully litigate these cases.
Contact the Michael Brady Lynch Firm today for a free consultation to learn more about seeking justice. Compensation may be available for any medical expenses associated with this ordeal, as well as for your physical and emotional suffering. There is no obligation.