"UN human rights experts express alarm over PFAS pollution in North Carolina", 28 Nov 2023

A new investigation by human rights experts appointed by the United Nations has expressed alarm at evidence of pollution from a North Carolina PFAS manufacturing plant, describing it as “alleged human rights violations and abuses against residents”.

The ongoing PFAS crisis in North Carolina has been linked to a Fayetteville Works plant operated by Chemours...

Many public health officials and residents suspect the “forever chemical” pollution is behind widespread health problems in the region.

The [UN] human rights council has released publicly the allegation letters its experts sent to Chemours and four other parties alleged to play a role in the problem. The letters were signed by five UN special rapporteurs...

The letter to Chemours cited extensive evidence that the plant has contaminated the air, soil, water and food supply in south-east North Carolina...

It also charged “purposeful suppression and concealment” of the PFAS dangers by DuPont and Chemours.

“We are especially concerned about DuPont and Chemours’ apparent disregard for the wellbeing of community members, who have been denied access to clean and safe water for decades,” the UN experts wrote in a letter to Chemours...

In a response to the allegations, Chemours said the UN letter was full of “mischaracterizations” and touted its recent efforts to reduce pollution levels.

PFAS... are linked to cancer, liver problems, thyroid issues, birth defects, kidney disease, decreased immunity and other serious health problems...

...[T]he UN notes Chemours has discharged dozens of toxic chemicals into the Cape Fear River, which has contaminated drinking water for hundreds of thousands of people...

The UN letter also noted research that detected Chemours’ chemicals in fish and crops, as well as 97% of blood samples tested in the region. It charges that DuPont and Chemours knew of the dangers, but hid them from residents and...workers.

The letter cited evidence of the companies withholding toxicity data...

In its response, Chemours wrote that it “has taken a broad and unprecedented set of actions...to eliminate almost all PFAS discharges from Fayetteville Works”.

Corteva and the Netherlands also responded to the letters; DuPont and the EPA have not yet responded...