Geneva, United Nations experts have reported that American chemical giants DuPont and Chemours have been involved in extensive contamination of the environment in North Carolina with toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” These actions have severely impacted the rights and wellbeing of the residents along the lower Cape Fear River, depriving communities of access to clean and safe water for decades.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the experts criticized DuPont and Chemours for their continuous production and discharge of PFAS into the environment, despite being aware of the harmful effects of these chemicals on human health and drinking water. The UN Environment Assembly, which is meeting next week, has been urged to address the significant risks posed by PFAS to communities worldwide.

PFAS are utilized in a wide range of consumer products, including personal care items, cosmetics, plastics, fast food containers, and stain-resistant coatings for textiles. Due to their persistent nature, PFAS do not easily degrade, posing long-term environmental and health risks.

The UN experts also highlighted the issue of PFAS-hazardous waste being exported from The Netherlands to the United States, potentially violating international law. They accused DuPont and Chemours of undermining the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regulatory efforts and criticized U.S. health and environmental regulators for failing to protect against business-related human rights abuses.

The report points out the inadequacies in legal actions taken against DuPont and Chemours, noting that enforcement and remediation efforts have fallen short. Concerns about the companies’ influence, the lack of public information, and the obstacles to obtaining effective remedies have been raised with the U.S. government, which has yet to respond.

In response to inquiries by the UN experts, DuPont and Chemours outlined changes in their corporate structures and operations. However, the experts expressed concern that such restructuring could hinder accountability and the pursuit of effective remedies for the impacted communities.

Additionally, there are reports that Chemours has sought to expand its PFAS production in North Carolina, raising further concerns about ongoing environmental and health risks. The experts condemned the companies’ efforts to spread disinformation about the safety and necessity of PFAS, emphasizing that decarbonization strategies must be integrated with detoxification efforts and guided by human rights principles.