The state of New York filed a lawsuit on Thursday against several major chemical and agricultural corporations. The suit accuses the companies of knowingly continuing to sell products containing so-called "forever chemicals," substances widely used in cosmetics, non-stick cookware, and various other consumer goods.
The defendants in this legal action include manufacturers such as 3M and DuPont de Nemours Inc, along with Chemours and Corteva. This represents the latest in a series of legal challenges targeting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Research has confirmed that these chemicals can increase the risk of certain cancers and contribute to developmental delays in children.
New York Attorney General Letitia James stated in a declaration, "For decades, large corporations like 3M and DuPont de Nemours Inc have sold toxic products while knowing the dangers, harming the health of New Yorkers and contaminating our environment. Now, they must be held accountable for the damage they have caused."
The state's demands to the court include compelling the involved companies to fund environmental remediation efforts and to publicly disclose the risks associated with their products to consumers. The lawsuit alleges that multiple firms were aware of the toxic or environmentally damaging nature of these chemicals even during the development stages of some products.
In a related matter, DuPont de Nemours Inc, Chemours, and Corteva have agreed to pay up to $2 billion to the state of New Jersey to settle environmental damage claims linked to PFAS contamination.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are a class of chemicals used for decades that have now permeated the air, water, and soil across the United States.
These substances have a wide range of applications: they are used in firefighting foam to smother flames, they make fabrics water-resistant, and they feature in numerous other products. However, they do not break down naturally in the environment and persist for long periods, leading to ongoing harm.