Global manufacturer concealed hazards of PFAS releases for decades

Abstract

Previous reports shed light on how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) suppliers adopted strategies reminiscent of those employed by the tobacco industry. These tactics minimized the perceived risks posed by their products. This review relies on publicly available court documents to analyze the extent of information shared with end users of PFAS chemicals and how one company utilized this information in its interactions with regulators and the public. Our findings indicate that Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, Corp. coordinated messaging, regulatory approaches, and workplace safety strategies with PFAS suppliers. Despite awareness of growing regulatory concern since 2003, the company persisted in releasing hundreds of pounds of PFAS chemicals per year into the air and water across three US states, resulting in substantial legal and public health liabilities for the company. This work aims to provide the groundwork for future changes needed to prevent the recurrence of historical errors.