3M hid ‘forever chemicals’ dangers for decades, ProPublica report

Toxic Exposure

3M officials have known for decades that dangerous chemicals from its products were seeping into the bloodstream of humans, yet the company continued using the chemicals in its products while hiding evidence of dangers to workers and the public, according to a recently published investigation by ProPublica and the New Yorker.

In the 1990s, a 3M chemist named Kris Hansen analyzed blood samples from around the U.S. and found evidence of fluorochemical PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) in every sample. The corporation had been using the chemicals in Scotchgard, one of its top-selling products, as well as in a grease-proof coating for food packaging, cookware and other products. The only blood samples that didn’t contain PFOS had either been collected before 3M began selling products with the chemical or came from regions where items containing the fluorochemical weren’t widely used.

Exposure to PFOS is linked to birth defects, reproductive harm and an increased risk of cancer.

A pattern of forever chemical denial

According to the ProPublica report, the scientist’s findings were met with resistance by managers, who either claimed there was something wrong with the testing or suggested her equipment was faulty. Hansen later learned that two academic researchers had made similar findings more than two decades before her discovery. Those researchers had also speculated that Scotchguard was the source. Hansen learned that a 3M scientist had confirmed the two researchers’ suspicions, however, company lawyers had urged the lab not to admit the finding.

Animal studies conducted by 3M in the 1970s revealed the harm caused by PFOS: in one study, 3M scientists discovered that even a relatively low daily dose of PFOS could kill a monkey in weeks. However, these results were kept under wraps, according to the report.

Shortly after presenting her findings to top executives at 3M, including the company’s CEO, Hansen learned her job would be changing and she would no longer be leading 3M’s PFOS research, ProPublica reported.

When profit-driven corporations hide dangers

The 3M case is just the latest example of a corporation covering up the dangers of their products and chemicals, leading to unnecessary health risks to employees, their families and the public at large.

In Washington state, Boeing executives ignored warnings about employees’ exposure to toxic chemicals at a manufacturing plant in Everett, Washington. Court records show that corporate officials were made aware that chemicals used in the company’s factories, including heavy metals and organic solvents, presented a risk to employees and their unborn children, with exposure increasing the risk of fetal abnormalities, cancer, and death.

What are PFOS and why are they dangerous?

PFOS are part of a class of chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). They are referred to as “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly over time. According to an environmental chemist from Harvard University, PFOS are “reducing public health on an incredibly large scale.” This is further reinforced in a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which found PFAS in the blood of 97% of Americans.

Here are some additional facts about PFOS:

  • PFOS have been widely used to make many industrial and consumer products.
  • The chemicals are widespread and persistent in the environment, and have been found in drinking water supplies near current or former manufacturing locations.
  • Exposure to PFOS may result in the following:
    • Developmental effects on fetuses during pregnancy
    • Increased risk of some cancers
    • Liver problems
    • Reduced immune function
    • Interference with hormones
  • According to one study, gestational exposure to most PFAS, including certain types of PFOS, is associated with higher odds of congenital heart defects.

In April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set drinking water limits for six forever chemicals, including PFOS. According to the EPA, PFOS is “likely to cause cancer,” and no level is considered to be safe.

How We Help Birth Defects Victims Seek justice with the help of our experienced birth defects attorneys. Our birth defect attorneys have represented people like you affected by birth defects caused by toxic exposure, aggressively fighting the corporate giants who failed to protect vulnerable workers. If you or a loved one was exposed to chemicals while pregnant and now have a child who suffers from a life-altering birth defect like spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy, we can help.