ScienceForever Chemicals: What 3M Knew

Scientists discovered PFAS in the 1940s and recognized their commercial potential. Resistant to heat, cold, oil and water, the chemicals have been used in products ranging from cookware and cosmetics to pizza boxes and pesticides. They do not biodegrade, however, and some are toxic. 3M was the first to mass-produce PFAS and allowed them to pollute the environment around its facilities.