The situation with GenX has put Chemours in a difficult spot, as the company now faces legal and regulatory challenges related to the discharge of this chemical into the environment. The controversy surrounding GenX highlights the complexities of regulating emerging contaminants and the importance of ensuring the safety of our air and water. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Chemours will address these issues and work to regain the trust of the communities affected by its actions.
The release of GenX into the Cape Fear River has sparked outrage among residents, who have seen their drinking water contaminated with the chemical. Kemp Burdette, the Cape Fear riverkeeper, has been instrumental in raising awareness about the issue and holding Chemours accountable for their actions.
Despite the controversy surrounding Teflon and GenX, Chemours CEO Mark Vergnano maintains that the company has not caused any adverse health effects. However, the $100 million investment to eliminate tainted-air emissions and the provision of bottled water to affected residents suggest that there are serious concerns about the impact of Chemours’ operations.
The history of Teflon and its chemical components, C8 and GenX, highlight the complexity of perfluorinated chemistry and the potential risks associated with these substances. While GenX was initially marketed as a safer alternative to C8, concerns about its toxicity and environmental impact have raised questions about the long-term effects of these chemicals on human health and the environment.
The residents of Wilmington, Brunswick, and Pender counties continue to face uncertainty about the safety of their drinking water and the potential health risks associated with exposure to GenX. The ongoing litigation and regulatory scrutiny surrounding Chemours and its operations underscore the need for greater transparency and accountability in the chemical industry.
Despite the lack of a regulatory level for GenX concentrations, the presence of this chemical in the water has raised serious concerns among residents and environmental advocates. The long history of uncontrolled discharges of GenX and other related chemicals into the Cape Fear River is alarming, especially considering the potential health risks associated with exposure to these substances.
Chemours and DuPont’s argument that they cannot be held liable for exceeding a non-existent standard is troubling, as it suggests a loophole that allows companies to avoid responsibility for their actions. The fact that local governments continue to insist that the water is safe to drink despite the presence of these chemicals raises questions about their commitment to protecting public health.
It is clear that more needs to be done to address the contamination of the Cape Fear River and ensure that residents have access to clean and safe drinking water. The ongoing legal battles and regulatory debates highlight the complexities and challenges involved in holding companies accountable for environmental pollution. Ultimately, the health and well-being of communities should be the top priority in addressing these issues.
Highway 87 near the Chemours plant in Fayetteville, NC. Jeremy Lange for Fortune
Photographed by Jeremy Lange for Fortune
Despite the ongoing controversy and uncertainty surrounding GenX, one thing is clear: the residents and communities affected by this chemical contamination are demanding answers and accountability from Chemours and DuPont. The potential health risks and environmental impact of GenX cannot be ignored, and it is crucial that regulators, scientists, and industry leaders work together to address these concerns and find solutions for remediation and prevention.
As the investigation into GenX continues, it is important for all stakeholders to prioritize transparency, cooperation, and public health in order to ensure the safety and well-being of those impacted by this chemical contamination. Only by working together can we effectively address the challenges posed by emerging contaminants like GenX and protect our communities for generations to come.
Un día soleado esta primavera, alquilé un kayak en Wilmington y conduje más allá de la fábrica de pulpa y el matadero hasta la esclusa y presa William O. Huske justo debajo de la fábrica de Chemours. Puse el kayak en el río y empecé a remar río arriba. El río Cape Fear estaba tranquilo y en calma. El agua estaba alta y la tubería de descarga de Chemours estaba sumergida e invisible. Remé más lejos y finalmente llegué a los grandes tubos donde la empresa toma agua del río. Podía escuchar la fábrica, pero estaba prácticamente perdida más allá de los árboles.
Estaba pensando en el Teflón y en un fragmento de una respuesta a la Declaración de Madrid escrita por Jessica Bowman, quien es la presidenta del FluoroCouncil. “La importancia de la química de PFAS”, escribió, “fue determinada hace mucho tiempo por el mercado”. Lo cual era cierto. Todos con los que hablé tenían una conexión con el Teflón y sus descendientes. Estaba en el stent de su padre, manteniéndolo vivo. O estaba en el Gore-Tex de su chaqueta de lluvia, manteniéndolos secos. Estaba en la cinta de plomero que selló la válvula con fugas en mi lavavajillas. Pensé en lo que realmente significa 140 partes por billón, que es esto: 140 gotas de agua en una piscina olímpica.
Una semana después asistí a un foro donde Hoppin, Knappe y otro colega discutieron los resultados de las muestras de agua tomadas de hogares en Wilmington. La mayoría tenía algo de GenX, aunque todas las concentraciones estaban por debajo de los niveles recomendados.
Era posible imaginar que todo esto podría pasar por alto, que GenX no era el hijo de C8 y ya no representaba una amenaza para los residentes o para la línea de fondo de Chemours. Pero luego recordé que la liberación de GenX duró más de 30 años. Lo que está en el agua hoy no es lo que había hace un año, o cinco, o 20.
Antes de que la reunión terminara, había una pregunta que todos querían que respondieran. ¿Beberían estos investigadores el agua del grifo sin filtrar de la ciudad hoy? Hubo poca vacilación por parte de los científicos antes de responder: No, no y no.
Este artículo apareció originalmente en la edición del 1 de junio de 2018 de Fortune.