The state of California has sued 18 material manufacturing companies, including 3M [MMM:US] and DuPont De Nemours Inc [DWDP:US], over water contamination from products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances, as reported by Reuters on November 11. California Attorney General Rob Bonta said that these manufacturers knew or should have known the harmful effects of PFAS substances on the environment and public health, but chose to conceal the use of PFAS in their products. The companies have caused hundreds of millions of dollars in public damage and will have to recoup the clean-up cost. DuPont’s spokesperson refused to admit that the company has produced any PFAS-related substance. 3M stated that the company will act responsibly in terms of PFAS use.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set up regulations to limit the use of PFAS in products in October 2021. PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals,’ are man-made chemicals that are widely manufactured and used in consumer, industrial, and commercial products for their stability and hydrophobic nature. They are also long-lasting chemicals that degrade very slowly in the environment. PFAS substances are now found in drinking water systems, lakes and rivers, soil, fish, and other wildlife. Exposure to PFAS can lead to harmful health consequences, including higher risks of cancer and immune system damage.  

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/california-sues-3m-dupont-over-toxic-forever-chemicals-2022-11-10/

https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960852421015650

https://fortune.com/2022/11/10/california-suing-dupont-3m-water-contamination/