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- calendar_today November 6, 2026
3M Settles Major Lawsuit Over PFAS Exposure
Chemical manufacturer 3M has agreed to pay $7.35 billion over the next nine years to settle thousands of lawsuits from individuals alleging health impacts from exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as 'forever chemicals,' used in firefighting foam. The settlement is a significant development in ongoing litigation against the company regarding PFAS contamination.
Background: 'Forever Chemicals' and Health Concerns
PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals known for their resistance to heat, stains, oil, and water. Because of their durability, they are persistent in the environment and have been detected in groundwater. Some PFAS compounds are linked to serious health risks, including cancer, liver and thyroid problems, and low birth weight.
Maplewood-based 3M manufactured firefighting foam containing PFAS, which was widely used in fire suppression and training, particularly at airports and military bases across the United States. This use led to the contamination of groundwater used for drinking, sparking widespread concerns about the impact on human health.
Details of the Settlement Agreement
The settlement will be paid out over nine years, starting with an initial payment of $50 million this year. Subsequent annual payments are scheduled from 2028 through 2034. The agreement also sets aside a $680 million reserve fund to address any future claims that may arise. The settlement aims to cover between 115,000 and 120,000 eligible plaintiffs, including firefighters, military personnel, and others who were exposed to PFAS through drinking water or work with firefighting foam.
It is important to note that 3M did not admit liability for the contamination as part of the settlement.
Legal Context and Plaintiff Representation
The lawsuits, consolidated in a federal district court in South Carolina, represent thousands of individuals who allege they have suffered adverse health effects from PFAS exposure. Fred Thompson, an attorney with Motley Rice, the law firm representing many plaintiffs, described the settlement as "welcome news for the thousands of victims who have sought answers and accountability for nearly a decade." The plaintiffs, among them multiple Minnesotans, seek assistance with medical expenses attributed to PFAS exposure.
3M's Statement and Broader Legal History
In a formal statement, 3M Chairman and CEO William Brown called the agreement "a significant milestone" and said it reduces uncertainty surrounding the litigation. The company stated that most injury claims are related to PFAS compounds 3M stopped producing in the early 2000s, and that it ended all PFAS manufacturing at the end of last year.
This settlement follows a separate $10 billion agreement reached three years ago between 3M and U.S. drinking water providers affected by PFAS pollution.
Ongoing Impact of PFAS Litigation
The 3M settlement is part of ongoing legal actions targeting environmental contamination and its health impacts. The outcome provides compensation to those claiming harm from PFAS exposure and establishes a framework for addressing future claims related to 'forever chemicals' and their lasting effects on public health and the environment.
Source: mprnews.org.
