How A Company Secretly Poisoned People With Chemicals In Everyday Products

It’s strange to think that something invented nearly a century ago by a single company could end up in our water, our food, our blood, and even the rain. But that’s precisely what happened with PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

They didn’t earn that nickname by accident. These compounds are incredibly resistant to breaking down in the environment, and once they’re out there, they remain for centuries.

The story begins with DuPont, a major American chemical company that has existed since the early 1800s. However, the problem started much later, in the late 1930s.

At the time, DuPont sought safer alternatives to toxic and dangerous refrigerants like methyl chloride and sulfur dioxide. Enter Roy J. Plunkett, a DuPont chemist.

In 1938, something unexpected happened while experimenting with a gas called tetrafluoroethylene (TFE). The gas turned into a white, waxy solid. That accidental discovery would be named Teflon, a now-familiar coating found in everything from frying pans to cables.

By 1945, DuPont had trademarked Teflon, and just three years later, it produced millions of pounds in a factory in Parkersburg, West Virginia. In 1951, they developed another chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, also known as C8, due to its eight carbon atoms.

C8 became essential in manufacturing non-stick cookware, fast-food wrappers, electronics, and cling film. The catch? These substances don’t go away.

A diagram showing which products contain PFAS

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Over 12,000 variations of these man-made chemicals exist, all built around one powerful carbon-fluorine bond, the strongest in organic chemistry.

That bond is what makes them so durable, but it also makes them problematic. They don’t break down naturally; they accumulate in the environment and the body over time.

Because of their ability to resist oil, grease, water, and heat, PFAS have been used in various products: non-stick pans, stain-resistant fabrics, water-repellent clothing, food packaging, and electronics. And yes, that includes your fridge. If you have a refrigerator at home, odds are it contains some form of PFAS.

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Protesters gathered outside the National Assembly in Lyon, France, this February to demand a vote on legislation banning PFAS.

How Far Have They Spread? The short answer: everywhere. PFAS have been found in soil, air, drinking water, rivers, oceans, fish, wildlife, and humans.

They've even been detected in rainwater, often at concentrations that exceed safety guidelines. Studies have shown that traces of PFAS are now present in the blood of around 98% of Americans.

This isn’t just a U.S. issue; it’s global.

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A DuPont scientist accidentally stumbled upon PFAS while working on a different project.

PFAS exposure is linked to a wide range of serious health problems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) points to numerous peer-reviewed studies showing that these chemicals can reduce fertility, raise blood pressure in pregnant women, and interfere with hormone function.

They've also been associated with developmental delays in children, altered bone growth, and shifts in the timing of puberty. Other reported effects include lower birth weights, increased cholesterol levels, a suppressed immune system, and a higher risk of certain cancers, including kidney, testicular, and prostate cancers.

What makes PFAS especially alarming is that they don’t simply pass through the body; they build up over time, increasing the risk of long-term damage.

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Understanding PFAS Exposure

Dr. Michael Greger, a prominent nutrition expert, emphasizes the concerning impact of PFAS on public health. Research highlights that these 'forever chemicals' are linked to various health issues, including immune system dysfunction and increased cancer risk. Dr. Greger points out that the widespread presence of PFAS in consumer products, from non-stick cookware to food packaging, poses an alarming health threat.

To mitigate risks, he suggests opting for PFAS-free products and advocating for stricter regulations on chemical usage. By prioritizing transparency in product labeling, consumers can make informed choices, thus reducing their exposure to harmful substances.

Environmental scientists argue that the persistence of PFAS in ecosystems calls for urgent action. Dr. Susan David, a psychologist specializing in emotional agility, notes that recognizing the psychological toll of environmental contamination is crucial. Many feel helpless in the face of such overwhelming pollution, leading to stress and anxiety.

To combat this, communities can foster resilience by promoting educational outreach on chemical safety and encouraging local activism. By empowering individuals with knowledge and collective action, society can create pressure for legislative changes that hold corporations accountable for chemical pollution.

A diagram illustrates PFAS exposure sources, related health risks, and environmental effects.

DuPont has responded to public scrutiny by issuing a detailed statement, distancing the modern-day company from some of its earlier chemical production. According to them:

"DuPont de Nemours has never manufactured PFOA, PFOS, or firefighting foam."

They claim their current use of PFAS is limited and controlled, only applied when necessary, and in compliance with health and environmental regulations. They also state they are seeking alternatives where possible.

“Our use of PFAS is limited and is managed as a Substance of Concern (SoC) consistent with the company’s Chemical Management Policy.”

DuPont prioritizes safety and environmental protection and follows strict standards to ensure the responsible handling of these substances.

Still, for critics and environmental watchdogs, the concern is less about what DuPont is doing now and more about what it has already done, particularly the decades of manufacturing and widespread use of PFAS with little public awareness or oversight.

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The PFAS crisis isn't just about one company or one mistake. It shows us how easily chemicals can become embedded in daily life, quietly and invisibly, and how hard they are to remove once they’re in our ecosystems.

From a frozen pizza box to a waterproof jacket to the rain falling outside your window, the fingerprints of this invention are everywhere. And the cleanup will take far longer than the moment it took to create it.

The alarming reality of PFAS contamination underscores the need for proactive measures in both personal choices and legislative advocacy. Experts like Dr. Michael Greger recommend opting for PFAS-free products to protect individual health, while community leaders stress the importance of public education on chemical safety.

By uniting efforts to demand change and support regulations that limit harmful chemicals, society can work towards a healthier future. Together, informed consumers and engaged communities can drive the necessary changes that promote both environmental and public health.