Sharon Lerner discusses her reporting about a whistleblower who revealed that 3M ignored the risks of PFAS, or "forever chemicals," despite evidence of their presence in the environment and human blood.
Michael Costa interviews ProPublica reporter Sharon Lerner for The Daily Show.
In short:
- PFAS chemicals, known for their persistence in the environment and human body, were produced by 3M and are found in numerous products.
- An internal whistleblower disclosed that 3M suppressed findings of PFAS contamination in blood samples and questioned the accuracy of the data.
- Despite 3M's knowledge of the risks since the 1970s, they only disclosed this information to the EPA decades later.
- Lerner notes that it took over a year to investigate and write the story, indicating the significant time and effort required for such in-depth investigative journalism.
Key quote:
"This is environmental crime."
— Michael Costa, The Daily Show
Why this matters:
Lerner's investigation reveals a troubling narrative of negligence, with 3M allegedly dismissing evidence of the hazards posed by PFAS. The chemicals, used for their water- and stain-resistant properties, have been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, liver damage and developmental problems in children. Despite mounting evidence of contamination and health risks, the company reportedly continued its production and sale of these chemicals without adequate disclosure or mitigation efforts.
