Manufacturing

3M To Pay $10.3B Over "Forever Chemicals" Claims

JUN 23 2023·Updated AUG 27

Story

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Facts

On Thursday, Minnesota-based chemical manufacturer 3M Co. agreed to pay $10.3B to settle a host of lawsuits over the company's use of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or "forever chemicals" that had allegedly contaminated drinking water throughout the US.
CNN
Under the settlement, to be paid over 13 years, 3M will provide funding to cities and public water systems to test and treat PFAS contamination. The company had previously agreed to stop making and using the toxic chemical by the end of 2025.
Axios
Thursday's settlement may allow 3M to avoid an upcoming federal trial for a $100M lawsuit, which claims the company made or sold firefighting foams containing PFAS that polluted local soil and groundwater.
Reuters
The PFAS used in 3M's firefighting foam since the 1960s has allegedly leaked into public water systems across at least 300 municipalities, from Philadelphia to San Diego.
Daily Mail
The settlement cost could rise to $12.5B depending on how many municipalities detect 3M's PFAS during an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-required water testing over the next three years.
The Associated Press
Though they are used to create nonstick and water-resistant products, PFAS don't degrade naturally in the environment and have been linked to long-term illnesses, including cancer.
USA Today

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

3M knew about the harm caused by PFAS yet manufactured the harmful chemicals for decades without informing the public. The company, which is directly responsible for contaminating America's drinking water, must be held liable for its complete disregard for public safety and the damage it has caused.

Minnesota Reformer

Narrative B

In addition to spending money and forming partnerships aimed at helping the environment, 3M has committed to stop making PFAS. The company 3M has been open and transparent about using PFAS and is deeply committed to helping communities remove pollutants from their water supplies.