Jan 01, 2024 23:00:00

Internal documents reveal that chemical product manufacturer 3M has been hiding the dangers of ``eternal chemicals'' since the 1950s despite knowing about them.

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Perfluoroalkyl compounds/polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS)' are resistant to heat and chemicals, so they have been used as coatings for frying pans, fast food wrapping paper, and fire extinguishing foam. However, PFAS are also called 'eternal chemicals' because they remain in the environment for extremely long periods of time, and there are concerns that they may have negative effects on health. Chemical product manufacturer 3M has been aware of the dangers of PFAS to the environment and the human body since the 1950s, but has kept it a secret for decades, and the existence of internal documents has been exposed by the Minnesota Reformer, an overseas media outlet. .

Toxic: 3M knew its chemicals were harmful decades ago, but didn't tell the public, government - Minnesota Reformer
https://minnesotareformer.com/2022/12/15/toxic-3m-knew-its-chemicals-were-harmful-decades-ago-but-didnt-tell-the-public-government/

According to the Minnesota Reformer, 3M scientists have known since the 1950s that chemicals including PFAS were accumulating in the bodies of humans and animals.

Additionally, in 1979, 3M announced that PFAS was not biodegradable in the environment, that it was widespread in the bloodstream of Americans, and that it increased the risk of cancer. It tells them to hide the presence of PFAS found in their blood. In addition, 3M told its own researchers not to leave notes or discuss their thoughts on PFAS via email, as they do not know how their speculations will be judged in court. is giving instructions.

In fact, in 1975, Donald Taves of the University of Rochester discovered PFAS in human blood samples from Texas and New York and reported it to 3M. At that time, they pointed to Teflon-coated cooking utensils and

Scotch Guard as sources of the outbreak. However, G.H. Crawford, a 3M scientist, did not accept the points made by Teves and others. Mr. Crawford claimed, ``We have no knowledge of this matter. Scotchgard does not use harmful substances and is made of polymeric materials.''

In addition, 3M conducted blood tests on employees in 1976 at the request of Mr. Taves and others. Tests revealed approximately 1,000 times more PFAS than normal in the blood of some 3M factory employees. Despite 3M's legal obligation to report the matter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it has been kept secret within the company for nearly a quarter of a century.

Later, when PFAS was found to be more toxic than previously expected, there was a discussion within 3M about whether to report it to the appropriate government agency. However, reporting to government agencies was postponed as there was 'no evidence of any adverse effects.'

Richard Purdy, a former 3M scientist, conducted research in 1998 to determine whether PFAS released by 3M was contained in the blood of wild birds. As a result, it was confirmed that PFAS was taken into various wild birds, and since many wild birds eat fish, it was recognized that PFAS may be transferred to various animals in the food chain.

Purdy points out that since PFAS is present in the blood of wild birds, it is possible that other fish-eating mammals, such as otters and seals, may also be exposed to PFAS, and that humans may also be exposed to PFAS. We pointed out to 3M the possibility that this was the case and informed 3M that it was obligated to report it to the EPA.

However, according to Mr. Purdy, 3M did not take immediate action and disbanded Mr. Purdy's team. Mr. Purdy, who retired from 3M in 1999, filed a complaint with the EPA stating that ``chemicals were found in animal blood.'' An investigation by the EPA has since begun against 3M.

'I have faced numerous obstacles, delays and indecision in raising complaints against 3M,' Purdy said. 'However, no final analysis was conducted.'

Regarding the fact that 3M has ignored the dangers and concerns of PFAS, Purdy said, ``They were more concerned with the impact on the market, the possibility of legal action, and damage to their image than they were with environmental safety.'' 'This is highly unethical.'

Since 2000, 3M has been investigated by the EPA, increasing public knowledge about PFAS. As a result, a large-scale lawsuit was held against 3M, and in June 2023, the plaintiffs and 3M agreed to pay a settlement of up to $12.5 billion (approximately 1.79 trillion yen) over 13 years. I am.