According to reports, the United States and 3M have settled for $10.3 billion over claims of “Forever Chemicals”’ pollution of water. It is the biggest water contamination settlement in US history.
According to 3M, public water providers that find any amount of PrAS, or may find it in the future, can use the settlement money to assist in paying for PFAS treatment. The business stressed that the payment wasn’t an admission of guilt.
A report explains that Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been related to health concerns and have been discovered to have polluted drinking water systems. The settlement would be paid over thirteen years and is a significant step in reducing the harm posed by these chemicals.
Following heightened attention from authorities like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 3M is facing hundreds of lawsuits over PFAS contamination allegations, and the company has vowed to cease production and use of “forever chemicals” by the end of 2025.
According to 3M’s statement, under the terms of the agreement, the corporation will pay for cities, municipalities, and public water providers to conduct PFAS testing and remediate any pollution found.
On Monday, a jury was scheduled to hear arguments in a case filed against 3M by the city of Stuart, Florida, alleging that the firm poisoned the city’s water supply. But the court agreed to postpone the case while the parties attempted to settle their differences.
In a statement, 3M chair and CEO Mike Roman hailed the deal as a significant move forward that furthers the company’s pledge to end all PFAS production.
Earlier this month, chemical manufacturers Corteva, DuPont, and Chemours announced a $1.19 billion settlement deal with water providers nationwide in response to accusations of water pollution.
According to the FDA, some compounds called per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are impervious to heat, oil, grease, and water. They were initially utilized in the 1940s, and now you can find them in a wide variety of items, such as paints, fire-fighting foams, carpets, and cleaning supplies s that are resistant to stains and moisture.
