3M / Aearo Technologies Earplugs PFAS Environmental Contamination Litigation

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called "forever chemicals," are a class of man-made compounds that do not break down in the environment or the human body. 3M was one of the world's largest manufacturers of PFAS, producing them for decades for use in products ranging from non-stick cookware coatings to firefighting foam. Plaintiffs — including public water systems serving tens of millions of Americans — filed suit alleging that 3M knew for decades that PFAS were toxic and persistent but continued to manufacture and sell them while concealing the health risks. Contamination has been detected in drinking water supplies across all 50 states, with PFAS linked to kidney cancer, thyroid disease, immune system disorders, and developmental harm in children.

In June 2023, 3M announced a landmark settlement of up to $10.3 billion, paid out over 13 years, to resolve claims brought by public water systems nationwide. The settlement — the largest in U.S. history related to water contamination — is intended to fund testing and remediation of PFAS-contaminated drinking water. Individual personal injury claims related to PFAS exposure remain pending in separate litigation. The settlement received final court approval in April 2024, and the claims administration process for eligible public water systems is actively underway, with payments expected to begin flowing to utilities through 2026.