Experiences of living within PFAS-polluted environs: a systematic review

This article examines victimization caused by corporate environmental crime related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution. The system-atic qualitative literature review and thematic synthesis of 27 studies from the USA, Australia, Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom aimed to iden...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Onencan, Abby Muricho (Author)
Contributors: Bisschop, Lieselot 1984- ; Hendlin, Yogi Hale
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2024
In: Crime, law and social change
Year: 2024, Volume: 82, Issue: 4, Pages: 961-987
Online Access: Volltext (kostenfrei)
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Keywords:
Corporate environmental crime
Corporate harm adaptation process
Lived experiences
PFAS
systematic review
Victimization
Description
Summary:This article examines victimization caused by corporate environmental crime related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution. The system-atic qualitative literature review and thematic synthesis of 27 studies from the USA, Australia, Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom aimed to identify critical areas of concern by analyzing the experiences of fence line commu-nities and workers exposed to PFAS. The analysis revealed five stages of the PFAS adaptation process: pre-discovery, discovery, lifestyle change, change in social networks, and restitution. In each of these five phases, unique lived experiences faced by those exposed to corporate environmental harm are highlighted, and physical, psychological, emotional, and socio-economic consequences are discussed. Based on the findings, a conceptual framework of corporate harm adaptation consisting of the five phases was developed to enhance understanding of the complexities and broader impacts of PFAS pollution on those exposed to it. This review highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the multifaceted harms of PFAS pollution and emphasizes the need to expand the knowledge base on corporate crime through an improved understanding of the victim experiences and conse-quences of PFAS pollution. This study serves as a reminder of the need to consider the multifaceted experiences of affected fence line communities and workers in addressing corporate environmental crimes.
ISSN:1573-0751
DOI:10.1007/s10611-024-10173-7