The existence of so-called “forever chemicals” has led to a lawsuit filed by a Grady County rural water district against several manufacturers, including DuPont and 3M.
The lawsuit was filed by Grady County Rural Water District #6, which serves parts of northern Grady County, including customers living near Chickasha, Amber, Tuttle, and Minco. The suit stems from the alleged discovery of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, in water supplies. PFAS have also been widely used in firefighting foam.
According to The Oklahoman, the Oklahoma lawsuit is part of a broader national effort seeking settlements against companies that produced and used products containing PFAS.
Widespread use of PFAS in consumer products
Manufacturers historically used PFAS chemicals in a wide range of consumer products because of their ability to repel grease and water. Products that contained PFAS included:
-
Paper and cardboard food packaging, such as takeaway containers, popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and ready-made cakes
-
Non-stick cookware
-
Textiles, including waterproof outdoor clothing, carpets, mattresses, and related materials
-
Cosmetics, including hair conditioner, foundation cream, and sunscreen
-
Electronics, including smartphones
The broad use of PFAS in everyday products has contributed to the chemicals becoming widespread in the environment.
International studies confirm PFAS presence
A ChemTrust report cited a 2021 study that found PFAS chemicals in disposable food packaging from popular fast-food chains, takeaway restaurants, and supermarkets across Europe.
A separate 2023 study by IPEN and 18 IPEN member groups detected PFAS in single-use food contact materials from 17 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
These findings reinforced growing concerns about the global reach of PFAS contamination.
Health and environmental risks linked to PFAS
Studies have shown that PFAS can be toxic to both humans and wildlife. Two of the most studied chemicals in the PFAS family, PFOA and PFOS, have been shown to:
-
Interfere with the hormonal system, classifying them as endocrine disruptors
-
Disrupt the reproductive system and the development of a fetus
-
Impact the immune system, including links to reduced vaccine responses in children
-
Promote the development of certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer
These documented risks have driven increased scrutiny and legal action related to PFAS contamination in drinking water systems.
Follow ongoing coverage of water quality, environmental litigation, chemical regulation, and energy-related environmental impacts across Oklahoma and the region.
Click here for The Oklahoman