After state officials refused to investigate chemical contamination in upstate New York, ordinary residents took action themselves, sparking a national movement that has reshaped laws, industries, and environmental activism around PFAS pollution.
Mariah Blake writes for The New York Times, drawing on years of investigative reporting for her forthcoming book, They Poisoned the World: Life and Death in the Age of Forever Chemicals.
In short:
- Amara Strande, a young cancer patient, helped inspire Minnesota’s sweeping PFAS ban before her death, leading to broader legislative momentum nationwide.
- Grassroots activists, often without prior political experience, have led efforts that spurred state-level bans, federal regulations, and major lawsuits against chemical manufacturers.
- Manufacturers like 3M and retailers such as Amazon and Starbucks are phasing out PFAS due to mounting legal and consumer pressure.
Key quote:
"“The American dream was ripped out from under us."
— Emily Marpe, environmental activist and mother
Why this matters:
PFAS chemicals, used for decades in everyday products like nonstick cookware and waterproof clothing, do not break down naturally and have contaminated water, air, and soil across the globe. Despite their widespread use and corporate cover-ups, it has often been individuals — parents, farmers, firefighters — who expose the dangers and push for action. Their fight shows how citizen-driven movements can force shifts even when federal action stalls. As PFAS restrictions spread, the legacy of chemical pollution reminds us how easily public health can be compromised when industry influence outpaces government oversight.
Related EHN coverage: Water quality activists urge stronger PFAS monitoring for wastewater plants
