Chemical manufacturer 3M has agreed to a settlement of up to $7.35 billion for up to 120,000 claimants who allege that contaminated groundwater harmed their health, according to Mongabay.
At the center of the claims are persistent pollutants known as "forever chemicals": per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.
Here's what to know
The PFAS involved in the exposure lawsuits were used in both consumer goods and firefighting foam. The St. Paul, Minnesota-based company announced plans to pay claimants over nine years, according to Mongabay.
3M has not admitted responsibility for the contamination under the agreement. Groundwater pollution occurred around sites where firefighting foam had been deployed, including airports and military installations.
If too few claimants participate, 3M can withdraw from the settlement and fight the lawsuit instead. Sufficient participation, however, could lead to additional payments by the company.
More background
Natural degradation does not break down PFAS, Mongabay reports, which explains their nickname, "forever chemicals."
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Products such as cookware and clothing use PFAS for their nonstick, water-resistant, and grease-resistant properties, and the chemicals are also used in firefighting foam. Some cancers, liver damage, and immune system damage have been linked to PFAS.
Environmental activists allege the public learned about PFAS health hazards long after manufacturers did. Mounting medical bills and other expenses have left plaintiffs urgently needing assistance, according to Fred Thompson, a Motley Rice lawyer who helped negotiate the agreement. Mongabay reported his comments from a news release.
What's being done?
The agreement begins with a $50 million payment, followed by annual installments exceeding $1 billion scheduled for 2028 through 2033.
3M has also reached separate agreements over PFAS contamination, including a $450 million settlement with New Jersey over natural resource contamination and an agreement providing U.S. public drinking water systems with more than $10 billion, according to Mongabay.
DuPont de Nemours Inc., along with spinoffs Chemours Co. and Corteva Inc., has agreed to settlements exceeding $1 billion.
Where can I learn more?
The 3M settlement is one of several legal battles over PFAS exposure and contaminated water. These stories cover firefighters' health claims and a dispute over corporate responsibility for PFAS liabilities.
• In Connecticut, 3M, DuPont, and Honeywell must face firefighters' PFAS claims in court.
• New Hampshire towns sued 3M and DuPont, alleging firefighter gear increased cancer risk.
• North Carolina secured a $455 million PFAS settlement with Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva.
• North Carolina's Robeson County received $23 million for cleaner water through a PFAS settlement.
• States sued Corteva in Indiana, alleging Vylor received assets while PFAS claims stayed behind.
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