Key facts
- New York has sued 3M, DuPont, Chemours, Corteva, and EIDP over the sale of PFAS in consumer products.
- The lawsuit alleges the companies knowingly sold toxic chemicals and concealed their environmental and health risks.
- PFAS are referred to as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment and body.
- The state's Attorney General, Letitia James, filed the suit in a state court in Albany.
- Numerous other lawsuits and settlements related to PFAS contamination have occurred across the U.S.
New York has filed a lawsuit against 3M, DuPont, Chemours, Corteva, and EIDP, accusing them of creating a public nuisance by selling 'forever chemicals,' also known as PFAS, for use in consumer products. The state's Attorney General, Letitia James, alleges that these companies deliberately concealed the toxic nature and associated environmental and health risks of PFAS from consumers for decades, even as they began to phase out some of these substances.
The lawsuit was filed in a state court in Albany. This action by New York adds to a growing number of legal challenges against manufacturers of PFAS. Previously, lawsuits primarily focused on contamination stemming from production facilities. However, recent scientific research into the toxicity of PFAS is now driving an increase in personal injury claims from individuals.
Across the United States, numerous legal actions have been taken. As of July 2026, the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam MDL includes over 15,000 lawsuits. Municipalities and individuals have filed hundreds of cases against companies like 3M and DuPont. Furthermore, fifteen state attorneys general have initiated lawsuits against companies they hold responsible for PFAS contamination. Notable settlements include 3M's agreement to pay up to $12.5 billion to settle claims from public water providers, and a $1.18 billion settlement by DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva with drinking water providers. New Jersey has also secured significant settlements, including an $875 million agreement with DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva, and a separate settlement with 3M potentially worth $450 million.