Scientists tied to chemical industry plan to derail PFAS rule on drinking water

Michael Dourson receives funds from chemical makers and plans to develop and publish studies that benefit firms

Scientists with financial ties to industry and histories of producing controversial research to derail chemical regulations are mobilizing to attack strict new federal drinking water limits for toxic PFAS, or forever chemicals", documents reviewed by the Guardian reveal.

In July, Michael Dourson, a contentious toxicologist who receives some funding from chemical makers, sent an email to scientists, consultants and lawyers detailing a plan to develop and publish peer-reviewed science for chemical companies to wield as evidence against PFAS limits. It went out just after industry groups mounted a legal challenge to the restrictions.