How One Company Secretly Poisoned The Planet
In 1929, mysterious deaths in Chicago were linked to refrigerators leaking methyl chloride, a toxic and odorless gas. This led to the creation of Teflon by DuPont in 1936, a seemingly indestructible material used in various products, including non-stick pans. However, the chemicals used to make Teflon, particularly C8 (PFOA), were found to be toxic and persistent, leading to widespread contamination and health issues like cancer. Despite knowing the dangers, DuPont continued to use and dispose of C8 irresponsibly for decades. Lawsuits eventually forced DuPont to pay damages and phase out C8, but a similar chemical, GenX, was introduced. These chemicals, known as PFAS or "forever chemicals," are now found globally in water, food, and products, posing ongoing health risks due to their persistence and ability to accumulate in the body. While some PFAS are safer, others are linked to serious health problems, and individuals are advised to be aware of their exposure and consider water filters.
Key Vocabulary
A process by which molecules of a solvent tend to pass through a semipermeable membrane from a less concentrated solution into a more concentrated one, thus equalizing the concentrations on each side. In the context of water filtration, reverse osmosis is a purification process that uses a partially permeable membrane to remove unwanted molecules and larger particles from drinking water.
Examples:
- The plant absorbs water from the soil through the process of osmosis.
- To desalinize seawater, engineers often use reverse osmosis technology.
- The scientist observed the movement of water across the cell membrane, a clear example of osmosis.
Created or caused by human beings, as opposed to occurring naturally.
Examples:
- The bridge was a remarkable feat of manmade engineering.
- Pollution in the river was primarily due to manmade waste.
- Many artificial lakes are manmade reservoirs designed for water storage.
Relating to or containing nitrogen, especially in compounds where nitrogen has a higher oxidation state. In the context of the video, it refers to nitric acid, a highly corrosive mineral acid.
Examples:
- The chemist carefully handled the nitric acid during the experiment.
- Steel can be passivated by exposure to nitric acid, making it more resistant to corrosion.
- The industrial process involved the use of a concentrated nitric solution.
The colorless fluid part of blood, lymph, or milk, in which corpuscles or fat globules are suspended. In the context of the video, donating plasma is a way to remove certain chemicals from the body because they are transported in the bloodstream.
Examples:
- Patients suffering from severe burns often require plasma transfusions.
- The blood sample was centrifuged to separate the red blood cells from the plasma.
- Donating plasma regularly contributes to medical research and patient care.
Not revealed or made known; kept secret.
Examples:
- The terms of the business acquisition remained undisclosed to the public.
- The artist's identity was kept undisclosed for many years.
- He received an undisclosed amount in compensation after the legal settlement.
The horny part of the foot of an ungulate animal, such as a cow, horse, or deer. In the video, it refers to the physical effect of a chemical on animal feet.
Examples:
- The blacksmith carefully trimmed the horse's hooves.
- Cows' hooves are adapted for walking on various terrains.
- The sound of the deer's hooves echoed through the quiet forest.
The process in a woman of discharging blood and other material from the lining of the uterus at intervals of about one lunar month from puberty until menopause, except during pregnancy. The video mentions it as a way for certain chemicals to be expelled from the body.
Examples:
- Menstruation is a natural biological process for women of reproductive age.
- Some individuals experience discomfort during menstruation.
- Understanding the phases of menstruation is important for reproductive health.
Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
Examples:
- In modern society, smartphones have become ubiquitous.
- Coffee shops are ubiquitous in urban centers across the globe.
- The brand's logo became ubiquitous after a successful marketing campaign.
A cream or lotion rubbed on to the skin to protect it from the sun's ultraviolet rays. The video uses it as a comparative example of a common preventative measure.
Examples:
- Always apply sunscreen before spending time outdoors to protect your skin.
- She packed a high SPF sunscreen for her beach vacation.
- The dermatologist recommended daily use of sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
Exchanged one thing for another.
Examples:
- They swapped seats so he could have a better view.
- The children swapped their lunch items during recess.
- After a long negotiation, the two companies swapped assets.
Attempts to conceal a scandal, crime, or mistake.
Examples:
- The government faced accusations of multiple coverups regarding the incident.
- The journalist worked tirelessly to expose the corporate coverups.
- The initial investigation revealed a series of intentional coverups by the involved parties.
Products applied to the body, especially the face, to improve its appearance. The video discusses the potential for certain chemicals to be found in cosmetics.
Examples:
- She spent a long time choosing the right cosmetics for her evening look.
- The company specializes in organic and cruelty-free cosmetics.
- Many cosmetics now include SPF for added skin protection.
A chemical compound containing six fluorine atoms. In the video, it specifically refers to uranium hexafluoride, a compound used in nuclear fuel production.
Examples:
- Sulfur hexafluoride is a dense, non-toxic gas often used in electrical insulation.
- The research focused on the properties of various metal hexafluoride compounds.
- Handling uranium hexafluoride requires specialized safety protocols due to its corrosive nature.
A type of matrix barcode that can be read by a smartphone camera and used to store information, such as a website address. In the context of the video, it is used to provide a quick link to a website.
Examples:
- Scan the QR code on the menu to view today's specials.
- The museum provided QR codes next to each exhibit for more detailed information.
- Many businesses now use QR codes for contactless payments.
The activity of putting out fires. The video discusses the use of certain chemicals in firefighting foams.
Examples:
- The firefighting team worked tirelessly to control the blaze.
- Modern firefighting techniques involve advanced equipment and training.
- The city invested in new firefighting apparatus to enhance public safety.
To get a ride in or on something, often implying an easy or unintended connection. In the video, it describes how a chemical can attach to proteins and be transported in the body.
Examples:
- The molecule can hitch a ride on the circulating lipids in the bloodstream.
- He managed to hitch a lift with a passing truck.
- The small device can hitch onto any compatible network.
Spread or dispersed widely.
Examples:
- The news of the discovery was rapidly disseminated through scientific journals.
- Information about the new policy was disseminated to all employees via email.
- The seeds of the plant are disseminated by the wind across vast areas.
The surgical removal of some of a patient's blood. Historically used as a medical treatment, in the video it's used ironically to refer to a modern method of reducing chemical levels in the body through blood donation.
Examples:
- Ancient physicians often practiced bloodletting to treat various ailments.
- The historical practice of bloodletting is now largely considered outdated and ineffective.
- Modern medical procedures for certain conditions might involve controlled removal of blood, a distant echo of historical bloodletting.
Deep, inarticulate sounds made in response to pain, despair, or disapproval. In the video, it describes a personal reaction to a difficult task.
Examples:
- The patient let out a series of groans as the nurse adjusted the bandage.
- He responded to the difficult challenge with a few frustrated groans.
- The old floorboards let out loud groans as people walked across them.
A chemical compound consisting of two carbon atoms double-bonded together, with each carbon atom bonded to two fluorine atoms. It is the monomer used to produce polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon).
Examples:
- Scientists were experimenting with tetrafluoroethylene to synthesize new polymers.
- The polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene creates a highly stable and non-reactive material.
- Careful handling of tetrafluoroethylene gas is essential due to its properties.