A French manufacturer moved hazardous operations to New Hampshire despite knowing its Teflon plant was emitting large amounts of toxic chemicals linked to serious health problems.
Jackie Harris and Rick Ganley report for New Hampshire Public Radio.
In short:
- Saint-Gobain became aware in the early 2000s that its Teflon coating operations emitted large amounts of PFOA, a toxic PFAS chemical, but consolidated those operations in Merrimack rather than install emission controls.
- Studies and investigations revealed that more than half of the PFOA used at such sites escaped into the environment, with emissions settling into nearby soil and water, raising health risks for local residents.
- Despite mounting health concerns and community complaints, Saint-Gobain and other chemical companies have yet to publicly accept responsibility for related illnesses, although citizen activism has pushed for and achieved new restrictions on PFAS.
Key quote:
“These chemicals are harmful to human health, and they can be harmful at very low doses.”
— Mariah Blake, author of They Poisoned the World
Why this matters:
The health risks associated with PFAS include cancer, infertility, developmental delays in children, immune system damage, and more. Their persistence and toxicity make them particularly dangerous, especially in communities near manufacturing facilities like Merrimack. As more data emerges on the health impacts of PFAS, public pressure is growing for stricter standards, clean-up efforts, and industry accountability. The long latency period of diseases caused by these chemicals complicates diagnosis and redress, leaving communities to face uncertain futures.
Related: Merrimack, NH resident honored for fight against PFAS pollution after years of grassroots activism
