3M Company, originally known as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, is an American multinational conglomerate operating in various sectors including industry, worker safety, healthcare, and consumer goods. The company produces over 60,000 products under several brands, ranging from adhesives and abrasives to personal protective equipment and medical products. It is based in Maplewood, a suburb of Saint Paul, Minnesota.
It’s been revealed that 3M has allegedly concealed the dangers of PFOS, a toxic chemical, for decades despite internal evidence from the 1970s suggesting its harmful effects on animals. Despite these findings, the company reportedly continued to use PFOS in its products, delaying disclosure of its potential risks.
🚨 3M HID DANGERS OF FOREVER CHEMICALS SINCE THE 70s
3M has been hiding the dangers of PFOS, a toxic chemical, for decades.
Internal studies from the 1970s already showed that PFOS was harmful to animals, but the company continued to use it.
In 1997, chemist Kris Hansen… pic.twitter.com/k1JtdOCBJc
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 20, 2024
In 1997, chemist Kris Hansen apparently discovered PFOS in blood samples from the American Red Cross, indicating widespread contamination. Hansen’s boss, Jim Johnson, allegedly reacted to the discovery by saying, “This changes everything.” Hansen’s team reportedly found PFOS in various animals, further suggesting the chemical’s extensive reach. An internal report from 1979 described PFOS as “certainly more toxic than anticipated” and recommended further studies.
Despite the mounting evidence, 3M allegedly continued selling products containing PFOS. When notifying the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1998, the company reportedly claimed there were no adverse effects, downplaying the risks. The internal studies from the 1970s had already shown that PFOS was harmful to animals. Rats exposed to PFOS showed liver damage and high mortality rates, and further studies found that even low doses could kill monkeys within weeks.
In 1998, 3M informed the EPA that they had measured PFOS in blood samples across the U.S., referencing Hansen’s work but not mentioning the earlier animal studies. The company reiterated that it did not believe its products presented a substantial risk to human health.
EPA’s new regulations now classify PFOS as hazardous and impose strict limits on six PFAS in drinking water, finally addressing the widespread contamination. The regulations aim to reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals, which have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, immune system disorders, and developmental problems in children.
Hansen’s discovery of PFOS in blood samples led to significant scrutiny within 3M. Despite her team’s findings, she faced skepticism and pressure from superiors. Her equipment and methodology were reportedly questioned, and she was eventually sidelined from further research on PFOS. However, Hansen’s work ultimately contributed to the growing body of evidence against PFOS.
The history of PFOS at 3M highlights the company’s long-standing knowledge of the chemical’s dangers and its efforts to allegedly minimize these risks publicly. The concealment of PFOS’s toxicity has had widespread implications, as the chemical has been found in the blood of people and animals globally, contaminating water sources and ecosystems.
In response to growing regulatory pressure, 3M announced in 2022 that it would stop manufacturing PFAS by the end of 2025. The company committed to working toward discontinuing the use of PFAS across its product portfolio. This decision marks a significant shift in the company’s approach to these chemicals, acknowledging their long-term environmental and health impacts.
The EPA’s new regulations are a crucial step in addressing the contamination caused by PFOS and other PFAS. These measures aim to protect public health by reducing exposure to these persistent and harmful chemicals, which have been in widespread use for decades despite known risks.