How the Planet-Altering Disaster of “Forever Chemicals” Was Kept Secret

How the Planet-Altering Disaster of “Forever Chemicals” Was Kept Secret

September 3, 2026 · 44 min

About this episode

The episode discusses how 3M kept the dangers of 'forever chemicals' a secret despite knowing their harmful effects.

We now know harmful “forever chemicals” are likely in the bodies of most people on Earth. Decades ago, 3M knew that these chemicals had seeped into the public’s blood, but they kept that a secret. One 3M scientist helped reporter Sharon Lerner understand how they kept it quiet for so long. Reporter: Sharon Lerner Read More: https://www.propublica.org/article/3m-forever-chemicals-pfas-pfos-inside-story Support our journalism by donating at propublica.org/donate .

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Guest: Sharon Lerner

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Organizations: 3M, ProPublica

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