Lecture on the History of Teflon and Its Environmental Impact

Introduction

• In 1929, mysterious deaths in Chicago due to refrigerator leaks of methyl chloride, a toxic gas.
• DuPont's search for a safer alternative led to the discovery of Teflon by Roy J. Plunkett in 1936.
• Teflon's indestructibility due to carbon-fluorine bonds.

Discovery and Initial Use

• Tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) polymerized into polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) under high pressure.
• Teflon's properties: inertness, non-reactivity, and thermal stability.
• Initially used in the Manhattan Project for uranium processing due to its resistance to chemicals.

Commercialization and Popularity

• Trademarked as Teflon in 1944; used in military and industrial applications.
• Post-WWII commercial applications included non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and waterproof clothing.
• Teflon's ubiquity in household products and its cultural impact.

Environmental and Health Concerns

• C8 (PFOA), a processing aid in Teflon production, discovered to be toxic and persistent in the environment.
• DuPont and 3M knew of the chemical's dangers since the 1960s but did not inform the public.
• PFOA found in drinking water around DuPont's Washington Works plant, leading to legal action.

Legal and Scientific Developments

• 2005 lawsuit on behalf of 70,000 residents exposed to PFOA.
• Studies confirmed links between PFOA and six diseases, including cancers.
• Settlement and phase-out of C8, replaced by GenX, which poses similar concerns.

Global Impact of PFAS

• PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) includes over 14,000 chemicals, often termed "forever chemicals" due to their persistence.
• Found worldwide, in both urban and remote environments.
• PFAS detected in rainwater and living organisms globally, affecting ecosystems and human health.

Regulation and Future Directions

• 2024 U.S. EPA's revised limits on PFAS in drinking water.
• Calls for better regulation and filtration methods at manufacturing sources.
• Alternative filtration technologies under development, emphasizing responsibility in production and disposal.

Conclusion

• Public awareness and consumer pressure are key in reducing PFAS use.
• Historical examples, such as leaded gasoline and asbestos, show potential for change.
• Continued research and informed consumer choices are critical in addressing PFAS pollution.

Additional Resources

• Sources for further learning attached to the lecture notes. Ground News platform for diverse media coverage.