‘Forever chemical’ claims

[Jazzy]

The companies Chemours, DuPont and Corteva announced on Friday they have agreed to pay more than $1 billion to settle claims that “forever chemicals” contaminated public US water systems.

The family of ubiquitous synthetic chemicals – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS – linger in the environment and the human body, where they can cause serious health problems, and are found in everyday products including fast-food wrappers, makeup and carpeting.

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I believe there’s a study showing that 99% of the world’s population has some of these forever chemicals in their bodies and found them in fetuses of the unborn. There’s probably going to be a very high human cost to these chemicals and for these companies to just “pay a fine” is kind of unconscionable.

Your thoughts?

 

[tango]

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I believe there’s a study showing that 99% of the world’s population has some of these forever chemicals in their bodies and found them in fetuses of the unborn. There’s probably going to be a very high human cost to these chemicals and for these companies to just “pay a fine” is kind of unconscionable.

Your thoughts?

What would you want the companies to do? Once something like this is out it's hard to get it back under control. Asking them to pay healthcare costs is the kind of thing that creates all sorts of problem areas because everyone and their dog will be claiming their problems are due to these things.

Perhaps one day we as a species will learn to look for downsides before rushing to adopt something cheap.

 

[Stravinsk]

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I believe there’s a study showing that 99% of the world’s population has some of these forever chemicals in their bodies and found them in fetuses of the unborn. There’s probably going to be a very high human cost to these chemicals and for these companies to just “pay a fine” is kind of unconscionable.

Your thoughts?

I haven't looked into this particular company or the chemicals referred to but I agree (that if what is said is true and extremely harmful to humans as inferred) then just paying a fine is unconscionable.

But see, that's one of the reasons the Corporation, as a business model, was set up. They are considered a "legal person" that is the shield for the persons who actually make the decisions on it's behalf. Since corporations can't go to jail, and they are legally obligated to their shareholders (which can remain hidden) to follow their bottom line, then what's left. Paying fines.

If you are interested in a good documentary on the corporate model, it's history and consequences, may I suggest the documentary film "The Corporation" (2003). It's available on youtube and other platforms for free:

 

[Lamb]

Both Chemours and DuPont were clients where I worked 6 years ago and their chemicals are very top secret. We weren't allowed to have people of certain countries (by law) work on some of our projects for securities issues.

I'm glad to see them contributing money, and would love to see them reevaluate the chemicals they are using.