Did you know that up to 27% of Americans, or approximately 95 million people, may consume contaminated drinking water? This contamination is linked to PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals,” as reported by The Guardian. These persistent pollutants, found in everything from waterproof clothing to firefighting foams, have been linked to cancer and immune disorders.
Unlike oil spills or smog-filled skies, PFAS contamination is invisible, lurking in water, soil, and even our bloodstreams. For decades, corporations buried the risks, regulators looked the other way, and the public remained largely unaware.
But now, films, documentaries, and high-profile lawsuits are bringing the crisis to light. These efforts are forcing the world to pay attention to one of the most insidious environmental threats of our time.
The Unseen Threat of ‘Forever Chemicals’
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are synthetic chemicals embedded in modern life. They’re in non-stick pans, waterproof jackets, food packaging, and even firefighting foam, reports NRDC.
What makes them so dangerous is also what makes them so useful: their resistance to heat, water, and grease. But this durability comes at a cost. PFAS don’t break down naturally, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”
Instead, they accumulate in water, soil, and even human bodies. These chemicals have been linked to cancers, hormonal disruptions, and reproductive issues.
Despite their presence in everyday products, PFAS remained largely unknown to the public for decades, alleges TorHoerman Law. However, the manufacturers were completely aware of their harm.
Unlike lead in paint or BPA in plastics, these chemicals weren’t household names until recently. With growing scientific evidence and rising legal action, public awareness is finally catching up to the scale of the crisis.
Cinema Sheds Light on Environmental Injustice
In 2024, Dark Waters landed on Netflix, and suddenly, a five-year-old film felt disturbingly relevant again. New viewers, many of whom had never heard of PFAS, were horrified to learn that these toxic “forever chemicals” weren’t just a historical scandal but an ongoing crisis lurking in their own homes, drinking water, and even bloodstreams.
The film, directed by Todd Haynes and starring Mark Ruffalo, tells the true story of attorney Rob Bilott. It focuses on his legal battle against DuPont, which poisoned Parkersburg, West Virginia’s water supply with PFOA, a type of PFAS used in Teflon.
The film’s portrayal of Bilott’s relentless pursuit of justice resonated with viewers, shedding light on the often-overlooked issue of chemical contamination. By bringing this real-life legal battle to the big screen, “Dark Waters” raised awareness about the dangers of PFAS and emphasized the importance of holding corporations accountable for environmental harm.
Documentaries Amplify the Alarm
Documentaries have continued the conversation by providing deeper, investigative looks into PFAS contamination. The Devil We Know is one of the most well-known. It focuses on the reality of the personal toll of PFAS exposure in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
The documentary features interviews with former DuPont employees and residents suffering from PFAS-related illnesses. In the act, it exposes the systemic cover-ups that allowed contamination to persist for decades. Viewers were left with an unsettling realization: if PFAS could poison one small town, it could—and does—threaten communities worldwide.
In 2024, the UK-based film TOXIC took the discussion further, revealing PFAS contamination in British rivers and seas. Produced by ENDS Report and Watershed Investigations, TOXIC reveals how pollution from manufacturing and waste is reaching drinking water and food supplies.
The film uses case studies, scientific research, and on-the-ground reporting to show that PFAS exposure is not just a historical issue. Rather, it is shown as an ongoing, escalating crisis affecting millions globally.
A Legal Reckoning as AFFF Lawsuits Gain Momentum
The legal landscape is shifting as awareness grows. Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), used extensively by firefighters, contain high levels of PFAS. In recent years, over 7,633 lawsuits have been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, making it one of the fastest-growing mass torts in the country.
Plaintiffs allege that exposure to PFAS in firefighting foams has led to cancers and other serious health conditions.
Recent updates on the AFFF lawsuit indicate that several major firefighting foam manufacturers are negotiating settlements. The largest AFFF lawsuit settlement amounts are expected to exceed billions of US dollars. As the lawsuits multiply, the pressure on companies to address their role in the PFAS crisis intensifies.
The Media’s Role in Environmental Advocacy
The convergence of film and legal action underscores the power of media in driving environmental advocacy. By bringing hidden issues to light, films and documentaries have informed the public and also influenced policy and legal proceedings.
As the PFAS crisis continues to unfold, the role of the media in shaping public perception and prompting action remains crucial.
FAQs
- How can I help make a difference in the fight against PFAS?
- Start by raising awareness about the harmful effects of these chemicals on human health and the environment. Engage in local efforts, such as volunteering for or funding water testing in areas prone to contamination. Lastly, if you’re in a professional or academic field, contribute to research on PFAS removal technologies or help raise funds.
- How do I know if my water has PFAS in it?
- Many public water systems provide annual water quality reports, but PFAS testing may not always be included. If you’re in an area with known PFAS contamination, request a water test from a certified lab. In case PFAS are detected, use filtration systems like activated carbon or reverse osmosis, which can reduce PFAS levels.
- What is the significance of the AFFF lawsuits?
- The significance of the AFFF lawsuits lies in their role in holding manufacturers accountable for PFAS contamination linked to firefighting foam. These lawsuits shine a spotlight on the inadequate regulation of PFAS in firefighting products and the delay in addressing their danger.
The PFAS crisis is no longer a hidden threat—it’s a glaring reality that demands action. As the lawsuits pile up and the stories unfold, the fight for justice against these “forever chemicals” has only just begun.