In the early 2000s, researchers at 3M uncovered evidence that high levels of PFAS—chemicals widely used in products like nonstick cookware and stain-resistant textiles—were contaminating U.S. sewage systems, according to a story last week in the New York Times.
The discovery was concerning because sewage sludge used as fertilizer on agricultural fields was spreading these toxic chemicals across the country. PFAS are linked to serious health issues, including cancer and birth defects, but 3M chose not to make its findings public. Instead, it shared its research with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2003.
At the time, the EPA was actively promoting the use of sewage sludge as a fertilizer, despite growing evidence of potential contamination. Although scientists, state officials, and whistleblowers raised alarms about the risks of PFAS, the agency did not take significant action to regulate or test for the chemicals in sludge. Maine is currently the only state that has begun testing for PFAS in agricultural soil and has banned the use of sludge fertilizer.
The EPA has taken some steps to address PFAS pollution, including designating two types of PFAS as hazardous substances under Superfund law and setting new limits for PFAS levels in drinking water. The issue has sparked a political debate in both red and blue states. Our firm delved into the dangers of toxic chemicals when we were named co-lead counsel in a mass tort brought by plaintiffs against Sterigenics, a company that sterilized medical equipment using ethylene oxide (a carcinogenic gas). Like 3M, Sterigenics was aware of the risks but continued operating its facilities near residential areas without adequately informing the public or regulators.
People with serious health problems that may be linked to contaminated air or land should contact an experienced Chicago personal injury law firm for a no-cost consultation to determine if they qualify for compensation.
"*" indicates required fields