3M to pay up to $7.35 billion after lawsuits link its forever chemicals to contaminated water

Specialty chemicals manufacturer 3M has agreed to a settlement of up to $7.35 billion in lawsuits alleging the company contaminated groundwater with forever chemicals. The money will be distributed to approximately 120,000 individuals over a nine-year period, with $50 million paid in 2024, followed by payments exceeding $1 billion each year from 2028 to 2033. If additional plaintiffs join the class action, 3M will pay further sums. However, the company can cancel payments if the case is not successfully litigated.

The disputed substances, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS), are heat-resistant, water-repellent, and stain-resistant. They are commonly found in firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, utensils, and clothing. The primary concern is that PFAS do not degrade easily and persist in the environment for extended periods.

Studies have connected long-term exposure to PFAS with various severe health conditions, including cancer, liver disease, immune system damage, thyroid dysfunction, and adverse effects on fetal development.

3M has previously settled similar cases; in 2023, the company paid up to $450 million to address allegations of PFAS contamination in soil and water in New Jersey. In 2022, 3M committed to discontinuing PFAS production by the end of 2025, though it will continue to use third-party PFAS in certain electronics. Despite this, the company has invested billions in cleaning up past contamination.

3M is not the sole company facing PFAS-related disputes; DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva have also been implicated. Together, these entities have collectively disbursed over $1 billion in PFAS-related settlements.