Poisoned Water: Corporate Greed and One Lawyer's 20-Year Battle Against DuPont

By John W. Maxwell

In the quaint town of Parkersburg, West Virginia, where the Ohio River meanders through rolling hills, a sinister secret lurked beneath the seemingly placid surface of the water.

Exposure: Poisoned Water, Corporate Greed, and One Lawyer's Twenty-Year Battle against DuPont

by Robert Bilott

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2279 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	399 pages

FREE

For decades, a chemical plant owned by the multinational corporation DuPont silently discharged toxic chemicals into the river, contaminating the water that flowed into the homes of thousands. [image of poisoned water]

At the heart of this environmental nightmare was Rob Bilott, a young lawyer who stumbled upon the disturbing truth hidden within corporate documents. Fueled by a sense of justice, he embarked on a perilous 20-year legal battle against DuPont, a formidable adversary with vast resources and political clout.

The Discovery of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)

Bilott's journey began in 1998 when he received a call from Wilbur Tennant, a cattle farmer whose herd was mysteriously dying. As Bilott investigated the case, he discovered that the cattle were being poisoned by water contaminated with a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA),a substance used by DuPont in the production of Teflon.

Further research revealed that PFOA had been seeping into the environment from DuPont's plant for decades. Tests on local residents showed alarming levels of the chemical in their blood, raising concerns about serious health risks.

A David vs. Goliath Battle

Taking on DuPont was no easy feat. The corporation had a long history of manipulating scientific evidence, hiding its harmful practices, and silencing whistleblowers. But Bilott refused to be deterred.

Armed with a small team of dedicated lawyers and scientists, Bilott meticulously gathered evidence, built a scientific case against DuPont, and mounted a relentless legal assault. The battle raged through numerous lawsuits, appeals, and investigations.

Uncovering a Corporate Cover-Up

As the legal battle progressed, Bilott uncovered a shocking pattern of deceit and scientific fraud on DuPont's part. Internal company documents revealed that DuPont had known about the dangers of PFOA for decades but had chosen to hide the evidence.

Scientists hired by Bilott discovered that PFOA caused a range of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and liver damage. Their findings were corroborated by independent studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

A Landmark Victory and Redemption

After years of hard-fought litigation, Bilott and his team secured a groundbreaking settlement with DuPont in 2017. The settlement forced DuPont to pay $671 million to compensate victims of PFOA contamination and establish a medical monitoring program for those exposed.

It was a landmark victory that not only held DuPont accountable but also raised awareness of the dangers of toxic chemicals and the importance of corporate responsibility. Bilott's tireless efforts earned him national recognition as an environmental hero.

Lessons Learned

"Poisoned Water" is a sobering account of corporate greed, scientific fraud, and the indomitable spirit of one man who refused to let injustice prevail. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of holding corporations accountable and protecting the public from the devastating consequences of environmental contamination.

The book concludes with a series of thought-provoking questions that encourage readers to reflect on the ethical implications of industrial practices and the role that individuals can play in safeguarding the environment:

• What are our responsibilities as citizens when faced with corporate misconduct?
• How can we ensure that corporations prioritize public health over profits?
• What can we do to prevent history from repeating itself?

"Poisoned Water" is a must-read for anyone concerned about the health of our environment, the integrity of our corporations, and the pursuit of justice against corporate wrongng.

Join the Fight Against Corporate Greed

Your support is crucial in protecting our environment and holding corporations accountable. Here's how you can make a difference:

• Educate yourself about environmental issues and the dangers of toxic chemicals.
• Support organizations that advocate for environmental protection and corporate responsibility.
• Demand transparency and accountability from corporations.
• Make informed choices about the products you buy and the companies you support.
• Spread the word about the importance of environmental stewardship.

Together, we can create a world where corporate greed is no longer allowed to poison our water, our health, or our future.

Exposure: Poisoned Water, Corporate Greed, and One Lawyer's Twenty-Year Battle against DuPont

by Robert Bilott

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2279 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	399 pages

FREE