3M, one of the largest manufacturers of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), has announced that it will settle the numerous water contamination lawsuits filed against them.
The move comes after several communities presented evidence of significant water contamination at their local water supplies with cancer-causing chemicals found in AFFF firefighting foam.
Many individuals have developed cancer, internal body organ damage, and other health complications.
The settlement requires 3M to pay over $10 billion in cash and remediation funds. This will provide numerous affected communities with clean drinking water, environmental cleanup, medical monitoring, and additional health services.
3M also agreed to a long-term commitment to research and monitor the extent of the contamination and environmental damage caused by their products.
While the settlement signifies a major step towards resolving the numerous AFFF water contamination lawsuits filed against the company, the cleanup and rehabilitation of affected water sources will take many years.
Victims who have developed cancer and other health complications after exposure to PFAS, the carcinogenic compound found in AFFF firefighting foam, are advised to consider filing a personal injury claim to recover compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical bills, and much more.
3M Settles With Public Water Utilities Over AFFF Lawsuits
U.S District Judge Richard Gergel has been presiding over a group of AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits in South Carolina. The lawsuits consolidated in multidistrict litigation involved approximately 400 public water utilities nationwide.
The main defendant in the case, 3M, has agreed to settle the claims alleging that their firefighting foam contaminated communities’ water supplies with highly carcinogenic compounds. The negotiated settlement amount was $10.3 billion, to be paid over 13 years.
The bellwether claim in question was filed by the public water utility for the City of Stuart, Florida, which has spent approximately $25 million on a modern and highly sophisticated water system to eliminate PFAS from its water supply.
This was crucial because PFAS doesn’t respond to conventional water treatment methods such as the use of chlorine. The public water utility reported that some of its water supply contained more than 180 parts per trillion.
The EPA’s regulation for PFAS levels in drinking water is between 0 and 4 parts per trillion. So, 180 parts per trillion is highly dangerous.
The primary source of contamination was determined to be AFFF firefighting foam runoff. The numerous lawsuits filed against the company have made it announce that it will stop manufacturing PFAS by 2025 to limit the liability it may accumulate in the future. However, the move doesn’t protect them from the damage already done.
The settlement requires 3M to pay the money and fund several projects aimed at remediation, environmental cleanup, and medical monitoring for affected individuals.
3M will also have to comply with long-term research into potential health effects from exposure to AFFF firefighting foam.
The decision by 3M is expected to help numerous communities get access to clean drinking water and other services they need to recover from the environmental damage caused by AFFF firefighting foam.
The settlement will also encourage more public water utilities nationwide to file lawsuits against 3M if their local water supply has been contaminated by PFAS chemicals found in AFFF firefighting foam.
3M Firefighting Foam Contains Cancer-Causing Chemicals
AFFF firefighting foam has been an industry standard for fire extinguishing for many decades. Unfortunately, the foam contains cancer-causing and toxic chemicals like PFAS and PFOA that can accumulate in soil and water over time.
These deadly compounds have been linked to many health problems, including liver damage, kidney disease, reproductive issues, developmental delays in children, increased risk of certain types of cancer, and more.
PFAS has been nicknamed “forever chemicals” due to the fact that these chemicals don’t break down in the human body or environment.
The increasing prevalence of PFAS in many household items such as non-stick pans, stain-resistant, and other water-resistant appliances is a growing concern in the U.S because research shows that constant exposure to PFAS increases one’s risk of developing cancer.
The contamination of numerous communities’ drinking water has caused alarm and triggered a wave of lawsuits filed against 3M, the primary producer of AFFF firefighting foam.
AFFF Water Contamination Risk
AFFF manufacturing companies such as 3M have faced increased scrutiny for their products that contain PFAS. AFFF is a center of focus for many people because it has already caused extensive damage.
The chemical can easily leach into communities’ water supply systems when dissipating. The water is then distributed to many households for cooking, cleaning, and bathing.
Contamination levels are relatively higher in water sources near military bases where the foam has long been used and stored. Civilian airports, fire departments, and other sites also use AFFF foam.
The contamination is particularly dangerous for young children because their exposure to PFAS chemicals can have longer-term health consequences when they become adults.
3M was aware that PFAS could cause cancer long before the issue was brought to light by public outcry. The company covered up their knowledge of this fact, which is why they have been forced to settle numerous lawsuits.
They even tried to discredit credible studies conducted to show how dangerous PFAS was. The company is now paying a heavy price for their negligence.
Contact Legal Giant for Help with Your AFFF Lawsuit
While 3M agreeing to a $10.3 billion settlement represents a huge victory for plaintiffs, many victims still suffer from the physical and emotional damages caused by long-term exposure to AF firefighting foam.
If you or a loved one has been affected by PFAS contamination, you may be eligible for compensation.
At Legal Giant, we connect you with a highly experienced network of attorneys that will help you file a claim against 3M or any other company that produced or used the toxic foam.
Our network of attorneys has many years of experience dealing with cases like yours and can provide you with the best legal advice and representation to help you get the rightful compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to get started. We are here to help!
