3M commits $7.35 billion to settle ’forever chemicals’-related claims

Industrial conglomerate 3M has announced it will commit nearly $7.35 billion over nine years to settle PFAS-related personal injury claims, addressing about 99% of current lawsuits related to the group of manufactured chemicals used in products resistant to heat, stains, grease, and water. The company, which is facing thousands of lawsuits over PFAS contamination and has not admitted liability, expects to record a pre-tax charge of $5.8 billion in the fourth quarter.

CEO William Brown stated that the settlement significantly reduces litigation uncertainty. This follows a $10.3 billion settlement in 2023 with US public water systems to resolve water pollution claims tied to PFAS. 3M has also announced its plan to discontinue the manufacture of all PFAS globally by the end of 2025.

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