Exposure (Bilott book)
| Company type | Memoir |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | October 8, 2019 |
| Founder | Robert Bilott |
| Products | Book, audiobook |
Exposure: Contaminated Water, Corporate Malfeasance, and One Lawyer's Two-Decade Fight against DuPont is a 2019 memoir authored by Robert Bilott, an American environmental lawyer affiliated with Taft Stettinius & Hollister. The narrative details Bilott's legal efforts that uncovered a widespread issue involving persistent organic pollutants linked to PFOA and PFAS, commonly referred to as "forever chemicals." In recognition of its impact, the book earned the 2020 Green Prize for Sustainable Literature from the Santa Monica Public Library.
Released in the United States by Atria Books/Simon & Schuster on October 8, 2019, in hardcover format, it was followed by a paperback edition on July 15, 2020. An audiobook adaptation is also available, featuring narration by Jeremy Bobb. The opening chapter is voiced by actor Mark Ruffalo, who portrayed Bilott in the film Dark Waters, which dramatizes these events.
The United Kingdom version was issued by Simon & Schuster UK. The book has been translated into multiple languages, including Chinese (published November 28, 2022) and Japanese (published April 6, 2023), broadening its global audience.
Reviews
Nathaniel Rich of The New York Times Magazine characterized Exposure as "a personal portrayal of one of the most egregious environmental scandals in recent history," emphasizing Bilott’s role as "a contemporary hero." Rich had previously reported on Bilott’s efforts in a 2016 feature piece.
In the New York Times Book Review, Gary Rivlin described the memoir as "a David versus Goliath story with an unexpected angle," commending Bilott’s compelling recounting of his legal struggle against DuPont.
According to Kirkus Reviews, the book "makes it clear that over many years, the corporation deliberately deceived regulatory bodies, judicial systems, and the public regarding the hazards associated with their production methods."
The Law Library Journal endorsed it as "a captivating and accessible story" for readers interested in environmental law, drawing parallels to works such as Erin Brockovich and A Civil Action.
Related films
Bilott’s legal battle was documented in the film The Devil We Know (2018). Additionally, Rich’s 2016 article for the New York Times served as inspiration for the 2019 motion picture Dark Waters, featuring Mark Ruffalo as Robert Bilott.
