Letter to the editor: 'Dark Waters' perpetuates falsehoods

Regarding the Associated Press review “Ominous ‘Dark Waters’ is like ‘Chernobyl’ for America” (Nov. 27, TribLIVE): The movie “Dark Waters” perpetuates falsehoods about science to sell movie tickets. As one of the six scientists who co- authored the 1999 cattle health report featured in the movie, I feel ethically bound to share the truth.

The team that assessed problems with West Virginia farmer Earl Tennant’s cattle included risk assessors, herd health experts, toxicologists and pathologists. My expertise focused on whether potential chemical exposure was a contributing factor to the cattle’s poor health.

Contrary to claims made by trial attorney Rob Bilott (played by Mark Ruffalo), the team was aware of the chemicals to which the animals were potentially exposed. After an exhaustive review of the herd, we concluded that there was no evidence that chemical contamination was associated with the cattle’s health problems, which instead resulted from poor nutrition and sub-par veterinary care.

Subsequent studies confirmed that PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) has a 19-hour half-life in cattle with no uptake into other organs.

“Dark Waters” ignores scientific studies that are inconvenient to the filmmakers’ narrative. Even more concerning is Ruffalo’s testimony to Congress about PFOA, swearing that everything in the film is true. I’m concerned that his testimony and this movie could unnecessarily alarm the public.

Robert H. Poppenga

Davis, Calif.