Toxic PFAS chemicals, linked to serious health risks, have contaminated Santa Clara County’s water, prompting a lawsuit against DuPont, 3M and others for allegedly covering up the dangers.
Ethan Baron reports for The Mercury News.
In short:
- Santa Clara County filed a lawsuit claiming DuPont, 3M and other companies knowingly contaminated local drinking water with PFAS, also called “forever chemicals.”
- PFAS exposure is linked to cancer, immune system damage and developmental issues. A 2023 study found PFAS in nearly half of U.S. tap water.
- The lawsuit alleges PFAS entered water supplies through firefighting foams used in training, with contamination detected in multiple cities and wildlife in the San Francisco Bay.
Key quote:
“DuPont transferred all women out of work assignments with potential exposure to PFOA, but concealed its pregnancy-related study from the workers, the EPA and the public.”
— Santa Clara County lawsuit
Why this matters:
Studies have linked PFAS exposure to serious health problems, including cancer, thyroid disorders, developmental issues in children and compromised immune responses. The chemicals have been detected in drinking water supplies serving millions of Americans, as well as in food packaging, consumer products and household dust, underscoring their pervasive nature.
While efforts to regulate PFAS are accelerating, with some states adopting stringent limits and the U.S. EPA moving toward national drinking water standards, the scale of contamination remains daunting.
