According to United Nations News, several United Nations experts stated on February 21 that DuPont and Comus, two chemical companies in the United States, have released toxic perfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances into the environment, completely disregarding the rights and well-being of residents in the lower reaches of the Cape Phil River in North Carolina.
Seven experts, including Marcos A. Orellana, the United Nations Special Rapporteurs on Human Rights and Hazardous Waste, stated that "although DuPont and Comus are aware of the toxic effects of perfluorinated and perfluoroalkyl substances on human health and drinking water, these companies continue to produce and discharge these substances." Experts point out that for decades, DuPont and Comus have been producing, selling, and profiting from perfluorinated and perfluoroalkyl substances, exacerbating this global toxic pollution problem.
They emphasized that the health and environmental regulatory agencies in the United States have not fulfilled their responsibilities to prevent human rights violations related to business, including providing relevant and sufficient information to the public, especially affected communities in North Carolina, to prevent harm and seek help. Although legal action has been taken against these two companies, the enforcement and remedial measures are insufficient. The shortcomings of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, and courts undermine the right of communities to access information and effective remedies. Experts have raised these concerns to the US government, but the US government has not yet responded.