New York sues 3M, DuPont and other chemical companies over PFAS pollution

Investing.com -- New York Attorney General Letitia James on Thursday sued several of the nation’s largest chemical manufacturers, including 3M, DuPont, Chemours, Corteva and EIDP, alleging they knowingly caused decades of toxic PFAS contamination through consumer products while concealing the chemicals’ health and environmental risks.

The lawsuit accuses the companies of manufacturing, marketing and selling PFAS—commonly known as "forever chemicals" because they persist in the environment—despite allegedly knowing for decades that the substances were toxic and could accumulate in humans, animals and ecosystems. The chemicals have been linked to cancer, birth defects, pregnancy complications, hormone disorders and other health problems.

James is seeking a court order requiring the companies to fund statewide cleanup efforts, warn consumers about the risks of PFAS-containing products, halt misleading advertising, and pay damages, restitution, disgorgement of profits and other financial penalties.

According to the complaint, internal company research dating back to the 1970s showed evidence of PFAS contamination and health risks, but the companies allegedly failed to disclose the findings to regulators or the public. The lawsuit also alleges the companies continued selling PFAS-based products, including stain-resistant fabrics, non-stick cookware, food packaging and cosmetics, while replacing phased-out chemicals with similarly harmful alternatives.

The case adds to mounting legal pressure on chemical manufacturers over PFAS contamination as U.S. states continue pursuing claims to recover cleanup costs and hold producers accountable for alleged environmental and public health damage.

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