3M settles PFAS groundwater suits for 120,000 plaintiffs with nine-year payout

3M has agreed to a financial resolution of up to $7.35 billion to address litigation concerning groundwater contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The St. Paul, Minnesota-based chemical manufacturer announced the deal on Tuesday. The funds are designated for as many as 120,000 individuals who state they were injured by exposure to these compounds, which are found in firefighting foam and various consumer goods.

The settlement payments are structured to occur over a nine-year period. The first disbursement of $50 million is scheduled for the current year. From 2028 through 2033, the company is required to make annual payments exceeding $1 billion. Additional funds may be released if a sufficient number of plaintiffs join the class action, though 3M retains the option to cancel the agreement and resume litigation if participation falls below a specific threshold.

The agreement does not include an admission of liability by 3M. The company has previously settled other PFAS-related disputes, including a $450 million payment to the state of New Jersey for natural resource claims and a separate deal covering more than $10 billion for U.S. public drinking water systems. Other manufacturers, such as DuPont de Nemours Inc., Chemours Co., and Corteva Inc., have reached settlements totaling over $1 billion to resolve similar claims.

William Brown, chairman of 3M, described the settlement as a "significant milestone" that reduces uncertainty surrounding the ongoing litigation. Fred Thompson, an attorney with the Motley Rice law firm who assisted the plaintiffs, characterized the deal as welcome news for the "thousands of victims who have sought answers and accountability for nearly a decade." He noted in a release that the plaintiffs require immediate assistance to cover escalating medical expenses.

PFAS are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they do not degrade naturally in the environment. These compounds have been linked to liver and immune system damage, as well as certain cancers. They are also utilized in nonstick, water-resistant, and grease-resistant products, including clothing and cookware. The contamination primarily affected groundwater near military bases, airports, and other sites where the foam was employed to extinguish fires.

Environmental activists argue that manufacturers were aware of the health risks associated with PFAS long before public disclosure. They point out that the same chemical resistance to breakdown that makes the compounds valuable for industrial use also contributes to their hazard to human health. The Environmental Protection Agency has established strict limits and testing requirements for PFAS in public utility drinking water, but these regulations do not extend to private wells.

A federal study intended to help regulators identify which industries discharge these chemicals in wastewater has been stalled for two years. The review process is currently pending with the White House Office of Management and Budget.