New York's attorney general has filed a lawsuit against several major chemical and agricultural companies, including 3M, DuPont de Nemours, The Chemours Company, and Corteva, alleging they knowingly sold harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals." The suit, filed in state court in Albany, claims these chemicals, used in products ranging from non-stick cookware to cosmetics, have threatened public health and polluted the state's environment for decades.
Attorney General Letitia James stated that companies like 3M and DuPont should be held accountable for the damage caused by these toxic products. The lawsuit seeks to compel the companies to fund environmental cleanup efforts within New York and to inform consumers about the potential risks associated with their products. The complaint argues that some manufacturers were aware of the toxicity or environmental harm posed by PFAS.
PFAS are a group of chemicals that have been widely used for decades in various industrial and consumer applications, including firefighting foam and water-repellent clothing, due to their durability and resistance to heat and stains. However, their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, such as an increased risk of certain cancers and developmental issues in children, have led to increasing legal and regulatory scrutiny.
This legal action follows a similar settlement last year, where DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva agreed to pay New Jersey up to $2 billion to resolve environmental claims related to PFAS contamination.