3M Agrees to $450M Settlement for New Jersey PFAS Contamination

3M has agreed to pay up to $450 million to the state of New Jersey over the next 25 years to settle lawsuits over widespread contamination caused by PFAS, also known as 'forever chemicals.' This represents the largest PFAS and clean-water settlement in the state's history, addressing claims that 3M's chemicals polluted sites such as the Chambers Works facility in Salem County and the Parlin Industrial Site in Middlesex County. PFAS are synthetic compounds used in various consumer products and firefighting foams, known for their persistence in the environment and links to cancer and other health problems. While 3M did not operate facilities in New Jersey, it was a primary manufacturer and supplier of PFAS, and the company has pledged to end all PFAS manufacturing by the end of 2025. The settlement is pending court approval and a public comment period. New Jersey officials have emphasized the importance of holding polluters accountable for the health and environmental harm caused by these chemicals.