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submitted 5 months ago by MicroWave@lemmy.world to c/news@lemmy.world

At an industry presentation about dangerous “forever chemicals,” lawyers predicted a wave of lawsuits that could dwarf asbestos litigation, audio from the event revealed.

The defense lawyer minced no words as he addressed a room full of plastic-industry executives. Prepare for a wave of lawsuits​ with​ potentially “astronomical” costs​. Speaking at a conference earlier this year, the lawyer, Brian Gross, said the coming litigation could “dwarf anything related to asbestos,” one of the most sprawling corporate-liability battles in United States history.

Mr. Gross was referring to PFAS, the “forever chemicals” that have emerged as one of the major pollution issues of our time. Used for decades in countless everyday objects — cosmetics, takeout containers, frying pans — PFAS have been linked to serious health risks including cancer. Last month the federal government said several types of PFAS must be removed from the drinking water of hundreds of millions of Americans.

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[-] NOT_RICK@lemmy.world 115 points 5 months ago

Can’t wait to get a 60 cent check for all the plastics these companies put into my balls

[-] SnotFlickerman@lemmy.blahaj.zone 22 points 5 months ago

...but maybe you'll get featured on everyone's favorite show: Ow! My Balls!

[-] RampageDon@lemmy.world 4 points 5 months ago

True Life My Balls are Plastic

[-] werefreeatlast@lemmy.world 3 points 5 months ago

I want bigger balls. Can they pump more plastic safely into my balls? Plastic filled balls have more bounce.

[-] Num10ck@lemmy.world 4 points 5 months ago

spherical, with a world map tattoed

[-] werefreeatlast@lemmy.world 2 points 5 months ago

Yes please!

[-] kibiz0r@midwest.social 52 points 5 months ago

There needs to be prison time.

If you can personally cash in today, and leave the consequences for the company to handle 30 years later, there’s a massive incentive to be reckless.

[-] disguy_ovahea@lemmy.world 10 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

They should be paying restitution in perpetuity. Same with big oil and carbon reduction. The “one and done” fine system could never put a dent in the damage these companies have done.

Create a new annual fiscal penalty on the violators’ profits until their damage has been resolved, then watch how fast those fuckers motivate to end a crisis.

[-] PPQ@lemmy.world 6 points 5 months ago

They'll get a small fine, a golden parachute for the executives, and lot's of finger wagging and you will just have to accept it!

[-] disguy_ovahea@lemmy.world 44 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)
[-] Corkyskog@sh.itjust.works 7 points 5 months ago

Didn't Dupont just spin off two new companies lol?

[-] disguy_ovahea@lemmy.world 6 points 5 months ago

As a matter of fact they did. They split into DuPont, Corteva, and Dow, although I’m not sure which one is holding the bag for the impending suits.

[-] Semi-Hemi-Demigod@kbin.social 13 points 5 months ago

"Are your balls filled with plastic? You may be entitled to financial compensation"

[-] Fedizen@lemmy.world 5 points 5 months ago

"Is the plastic stored in your balls?"

[-] paraphrand@lemmy.world 3 points 5 months ago
[-] Argongas@kbin.social 3 points 5 months ago

No, no - this is the forever chemicals in your blood. The plastic in your balls will be a whole other thing!

[-] TubeTalkerX@kbin.social 13 points 5 months ago

The Politicians - Can’t wait for the ~~Bribe~~ “Campaign Contribution” for making a law that retroactively protects these companies!

[-] ryan213@lemmy.ca 9 points 5 months ago

The other lawyers: Bring it on!

[-] homesweethomeMrL@lemmy.world 0 points 5 months ago

Lllllllllllet’s get ready to ruuummmblllllllle!

this post was submitted on 28 May 2024
307 points (99.7% liked)

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