3M Corporation will pay $10.3 billion for pollution with “eternal chemicals”

The American multi-industry company 3M achieved agreements in a class action lawsuit by residents of a number of US states about chemical contamination of local water bodies and soil. The organization will pay the victims $10.3 billion over the next 13 years.

These are compounds of the PASF group (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals). They repel water, do not dissolve in it, are resistant to heat and decay for a very long time – for this they received the name “eternal chemicals”. PASF is used in the production of disposable tableware, food packaging, fabrics and carpets, non-stick coatings, etc.

3M has been using these chemicals since the 1950s and, according to attorneys representing thousands of plaintiffs in states such as Pennsylvania, South Carolina, California and others, has polluted vast amounts of water and soil, causing cancer and other diseases in people. health problems. reportedthat one of the leading sources of PASF contamination has been fire extinguisher foam, where these chemicals are also used.

Against the backdrop of litigation and wide public outcry around pollution by “eternal chemicals”, 3M last year statedthat from 2025 will stop their use.

Evgeniy Khvostik