Inspired by a shocking true story, a tenacious attorney (Ruffalo) uncovers a dark secret that connects a growing number of unexplained deaths due to one of the world’s largest corporations. In the process, he risks everything – his future, his family, and his own life – to expose the truth.
Against the backdrop of insufficient regulation, minimal awareness of the dangers of forever chemicals, and activist fatigue, the Dark Waters campaign raised the public profile of this threat and supported the movement of activists demanding stronger environmental health protections.Together with partners in 21 states, policymakers, activists, and filmmakers the campaign effectively helped bring forever chemicals from the margins to the mainstream.
Since the launch of the campaign, there has been more action on forever chemicals than any other period in history. The film and campaign helped influence at least 14 pieces of legislation in the US, including important measures to clean up, mitigate, study, and ban PFAS. In Europe, the EU announced a total phase out and ban of PFAS as a class. 43 multinational companies pledged to go PFAS-free, and 3M announced that it would stop producing forever chemicals. In the six months after the film’s release, there was a 62% increase in mentions of the term “forever chemicals” and in 2023, the term was officially added to Dictionary.com.
Forever chemicals, also known as PFAS, are a family of per- and polyfluorinated chemicals that create the nonstick, stain-resistant, and waterproof products we use in our daily lives. They are bio-persistent, meaning they do not break down in the environment and build up in humans and animals over time. They are in the blood of 99% of humans.
The History of Forever Chemicals
We can be exposed to forever chemicals from consumer products, drinking water, contaminated food, air, or dust. Everyday items such as rain jackets, cosmetics, and pizza boxes that are waterproof, greaseproof or stain-repellant can also contain forever chemicals. To demand that these chemicals are cleaned up, take action.
PFOA is just one member of a harmful class of more than 4,000 similar chemicals known as PFAS. They are all “forever chemicals,” because they don’t break down in the environment.
99% of humans are believed to have forever chemicals in their blood. Some people are exposed at higher rates. For more information about contamination levels in your area, use EWG’s map.
Harm is caused by long-term exposure to forever chemicals. To learn how you can better protect yourself, check out the Dark Waters tip sheet.
In early 2019 the EPA announced a wide-ranging plan to address PFAS. This Action Plan is a step in the right direction, but it has not yet resulted in meaningful new PFAS protections. Two decades after Rob sent his letter to EPA alerting the agency to the dangers of PFOA, it is still unregulated in drinking water.
You can find forever chemical-free products for you and your family here.
Firefighter gear needs to be able to withstand fire, water and high temperature. For this reason, the chemical coatings used to create the majority of this protective gear contain forever chemicals. Firefighters are also exposed to higher levels of forever chemical contamination from firefighting foam and contaminated fire stations.
Dark Waters is a film based on the New York Times Magazine article, “The Lawyer Who Became Dupont’s Worst Nightmare” written by Nathaniel Rich about the true story of Rob Bilott’s twenty-year battle against DuPont and forever chemicals. To learn more about his work and the forever chemicals contamination crisis, you can check out his story in his book Exposure.
Why We Fight
People from PFAS contaminated communities across the country are joining together to tell their stories and demand justice. They’re fighting back, and you can too.
We understand that the fight against forever chemicals can feel overwhelming and undefeatable. But there are ways to protect yourself and hold polluters accountable. Make sure your family, friends and loved ones know about forever chemicals and how they can protect themselves.
Based on unreleased EPA test results, EWG estimates that up to 110 million Americans have PFAS in their drinking water. If PFAS have been detected in your water, activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis can remove some PFAS contaminants.
The most prominent sources of PTFE, the chemical name of Teflon, are nonstick pans and utensils. To avoid these products, skip nonstick pans and utensils, choosing stainless steel or cast iron cookware instead.
Avoid textiles & coatings that are waterproof and stain repellant and skip the optional stain repellent treatments. Although many responsible clothing companies are seeking safer alternatives, few have made it to market so far. Be wary of products with Teflon or Gore-Tex labels. Avoid treatments like Scotchguard or Stainmaster.
PFAS are widely used to coat paper and cardboard food and bakery wrappers. Avoid precooked, packaged foods and cook at home instead. Make popcorn on the stovetop as the inside of microwaveable popcorn bags can be lined with PFAS. Cut back on fast food and greasy carryout food. Testing in 2017 found nearly all major brands use PFAS-treated wrappers.
PFAS chemicals nearly always lurk in stain-resistant furniture and carpets, as well as in spray treatments for leather and fabric protection. Avoid coated products whenever possible, and skip optional stain-repellant treatments.
