potentially harmful compounds

3M to pay at least $10.3B to settle 'forever chemical' drinking water lawsuits in U.S.

3M to pay at least $10.3B to settle 'forever chemical' drinking water lawsuits in U.S.

Chemical manufacturer 3M Co. will pay at least $10.3 billion to settle lawsuits over contamination of many U.S. public drinking water systems with potentially harmful compounds used in firefighting foam and a host of consumer products, the company said Thursday. The deal would compensate water providers for pollution with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known collectively as PFAS — a broad class of chemicals used in nonstick, water- and grease-resistant products such as clothing and cookware.