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3M forever chemicals, PFAS overview:
- Who: 3M has announced it will discontinue the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across its product portfolio by the end of 2025.
- Why: The decision comes amid a slew of lawsuits over the use of forever chemicals, which pose health and environmental risks, federal regulators say.
- Where: The company is based in the United States.
3M has announced it will discontinue the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across its product portfolio by the end of 2025.
The company announced the decision Dec. 20 on its website. The decision comes after the company has faced multiple lawsuits relating to its use of PFAS — or forever chemicals — in its products.
As recently as September, a federal judge in South Carolina denied 3M’s attempt to invoke a government immunity defense over claims the company knowingly withheld information about the risks of its firefighting foam.
In that case, 3M is accused of contaminating groundwater with forever chemicals in its firefighting foam product.
This week, 3M said it had made its decision to stop using the chemicals based on factors such as accelerating regulatory trends focused on reducing or eliminating the presence of PFAS in the environment and changing stakeholder expectations.
“While PFAS can be safely made and used, we also see an opportunity to lead in a rapidly evolving external regulatory and business landscape to make the greatest impact for those we serve,” 3M chairman and CEO Mike Roman said.
3M commits to leaving PFAS manufacturing by end of 2025
PFAS are a group of thousands of chemicals in various consumer and cleaning products, often used to give materials non-stick properties.
The chemicals are well-known for their durability and persistence in the environment, and, increasingly, for health risks, including increased risk of some cancers, reduced immune response and developmental delays, according to data from the Environmental Protection Agency.
3M said it will discontinue manufacturing all fluoropolymers, fluorinated fluids and PFAS-based additive products by the end of 2025.
It said it will also work to discontinue using PFAS across its product portfolio by the end of 2025.
“We have already reduced our use of PFAS over the past three years through ongoing research and development, and will continue to innovate new solutions for customers.”
Meanwhile, the company said it would continue to remediate PFAS and address litigation by defending itself in court or through negotiated resolutions.
What do you think of 3M’s decision? Let us know in the comments.
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