3M agrees to pay 0 million to New Jersey for PFAS contamination damages.

3M, the multinational chemical corporation, has reached a significant settlement of 0 million with the state of New Jersey to address the contamination of water supplies by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” This resolution, announced on Tuesday by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, marks the largest settlement of its kind in the state’s history.

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals characterized by their persistence in the environment and the human body, leading to concerns about their potential health risks. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these chemicals have been used in various products, including firefighting foams, stain-resistant textiles, and food packaging. Their accumulation has been associated with adverse health effects such as low birth weights, immune system dysfunction, cancer, and hormonal imbalances.

Despite not operating manufacturing facilities in New Jersey, 3M has been implicated in the state’s PFAS contamination due to its role as a major supplier of PFOA, a specific type of PFAS, accounting for approximately 85% of the substance in question. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) previously initiated legal action against 3M, citing its awareness of the dangers associated with PFAS, yet alleging that the company continued to market these chemicals extensively.

The settlement will see 3M allocate up to 0 million over the next 25 years, with 5 million earmarked for the initial four years. The funds are aimed at site cleanup efforts, establishing a statewide initiative to deal with PFAS contamination, and addressing damages to natural resources.

This settlement comes on the eve of a anticipated federal trial against DuPont and its spinoff Chemours, which marks the first instance in the United States of environmental liability regarding PFAS being tested in court. Platkin emphasized that New Jersey is taking a leading role in the effort to remediate the dangers posed by these chemicals, highlighting a broader commitment to public health and environmental protection.

The ramifications of PFAS contamination have prompted growing scrutiny of chemical manufacturers, with New Jersey previously securing a notable 3 million settlement with Solvay Specialty Polymers for similar contamination issues earlier this year. Both the DEP and legal representatives have called their recent endeavors “landmark matters” in the fight against environmental pollution.

With ongoing concerns regarding the impact of PFAS on public health, this latest settlement represents an important step toward accountability for companies whose products have caused long-lasting harm to communities. New Jersey’s legal actions against chemical manufacturers signal a growing movement to address the ecological and health crises associated with synthetic pollutants, reaffirming the state’s dedication to safeguarding its residents and environment.