DuPont, 3M and other makers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) knew the chemicals caused harm but didn’t sound the alarm, according to a report published in the Annals of Global Health.
Company scientists ran tests with animals and noted laboratory rats with enlarged livers and dogs that died soon after exposure. As far back as 1961, DuPont knew chemicals such as C8 used to make its Teflon cookware caused liver damage.
Two DuPont employees delivered babies with eye and nostril deformities, but the company never told the women about a PFAS link.
Cover-up lasted for decades
Chemical companies that made PFAS and in many cases discharged the chemicals are battling billion-dollar environmental lawsuits. Most are opting to settle ASAP.
Class-action cases could surge on the heels of the Annals report. PFAS were widely used in packaging, clothing, carpets and firefighting foam.
