The major chemical manufacturer, 3M Co., has agreed to pay $10.3 billion as part of a settlement with water providers over their role in contaminating water sources with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, collectively known as PFAS. These chemicals, which are commonly used in the manufacturing of many consumer products, have been linked to a number of serious health conditions, including birth defects in pregnant women. The settlement is meant to help redress communities that have been affected as a result of exposure to these chemicals.
What Are PFAS?
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly referred to as PFAS, are a type of chemical used in a variety of industrial and commercial contexts. Among other things, they are used in firefighting foam to combat certain types of dangerous fires and are also used to make non-stick and stain-resistant surfaces for things like cookware and clothing. They are sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” because of how resistant they are to breaking down, meaning they persist in the environment for long periods.
What Are the Dangers of PFAS?
Exposure to PFAS has been tied to a number of serious health conditions. These include, but are not limited to:
- High cholesterol
- Liver damage and changes in liver enzymes
- Increased risk of certain types of cancer, including kidney, breast, and testicular cancer
- Increased risk of thyroid disease
- Decreased fertility
- Increased risk of miscarriage
- Low birth weight in newborn infants
- Reduced vaccine response in infants
- Increased risk of pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia
Why Did 3M Agree to This Settlement?
3M is one of the largest manufacturers of PFAS in the world, and has profited immensely off the sale of these chemicals for decades. However, it was facing at least 300 lawsuits from local water providers after its chemicals were found to have contaminated their water sources. The money from this settlement is meant to help address the costs of cleaning up the contamination, a process that is likely to take years.
What Should You Do if You Have Been Affected by PFAS?
If you are in a community that has been affected by PFAS and you or someone you love has experienced the symptoms above, you may be able to seek compensation for the harm you have suffered. That is why you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling environmental contamination claims. They can help you to explore all of your legal rights, and ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Williams Cedar is a law firm dedicated to helping clients with personal injury, environmental law, and civil rights cases. We specialize in assisting clients who have been injured due to exposure to environmental toxins, including veterans and their loved ones. If you need legal assistance due to toxic exposure or other related matters, please give us a call at our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices at (215) 557-0099, or visit our contact page.