3M Settles New Jersey’s ‘Forever Chemicals’ Contamination Lawsuit for $450 Million

These chemicals have been linked to cancers, developmental problems in fetuses, and endocrine disorders.

A view of the exterior of the new Dutch head office of international technology company 3M in Delft, on Nov. 5, 2014. Koen Van Weel/ANP/AFP via Getty Images

Chemical manufacturer 3M has entered into a settlement agreement with New Jersey to resolve claims accusing the company of contaminating water and other natural resources with PFAS substances, popularly known as “forever chemicals,” the state Attorney General’s office said in a May 13 statement.

The settlement, valued at up to $450 million and subject to court approval, is the “largest statewide PFAS settlement in New Jersey history,” said the statement. It resolves certain lawsuits filed by the state against the company in 2019.