Chemical manufacturer 3M Co. has announced a settlement worth at least $10.3 billion to resolve lawsuits concerning contamination of multiple US public drinking water systems. The contamination stems from the use of per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” which are found in firefighting foam and various consumer products. PFAS are classified as a broad range of chemicals used in nonstick and water- and grease-resistant items like clothing and cookware. These chemicals pose significant risks to human health, including liver damage, immune system issues, and certain types of cancer.
These harmful compounds have been detected in various levels in drinking water across the country. To address this issue, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed strict limitations on two common types of PFAS, PFOA and PFOS, and expressed its intention to regulate four other types. Water providers will be responsible for monitoring their systems for these chemicals. The settlement with 3M resolves a case involving Stuart, Florida, which is one of approximately 300 communities that have filed similar lawsuits against firefighting foam manufacturers or the producers of PFAS-containing products.
3M Chairman Mike Roman expressed that this settlement is a significant step forward and builds upon the company’s decision in 2020 to discontinue the production of PFOA and PFOS. Additionally, 3M has made substantial investments in state-of-the-art water filtration technology for its chemical manufacturing operations. The company, headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, plans to cease all PFAS production by the end of 2025.
Under the terms of the settlement, 3M will pay a total of $10.3 billion over a 13-year period. However, the amount could potentially increase to $12.5 billion based on the number of public water systems that detect PFAS during the mandated testing by the EPA over the next three years. The funds will assist in covering the costs of filtering PFAS from affected systems and testing others. Attorney Scott Summy, representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against 3M and other manufacturers, stated that millions of Americans will benefit from this settlement by enjoying healthier lives without PFAS in their drinking water. Similar settlements have also been reached with other companies such as DuPont de Nemours Inc., Chemours Co., and Corteva Inc., amounting to $1.18 billion to address PFAS complaints from approximately 300 drinking water providers. Numerous other cases are still pending.
(Source: Newser)
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
