September 30, 2025
Chemical giant 3M has agreed to pay up to $450 million to the state of New Jersey in a landmark PFAS lawsuit settlement to resolve claims related to decades of water contamination from PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” that have been linked to serious illnesses and birth defects.
The PFAS litigation settlement—the largest of its kind in New Jersey—will fund cleanup efforts, drinking water treatment and compensation for damage to natural resources. It also marks a turning point in holding corporations accountable for the long-term health consequences of toxic exposure.
“Corporate polluters must be held accountable when they contaminate our state’s water supply,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said in a statement about the PFAs lawsuit reported by The New York Times. “For decades, 3M knew that their PFAS chemicals were forever contaminating the New Jersey environment. But they continued to pollute the environment and escape accountability. That ends now.”
PFAS Lawsuits and the Hidden Toll on Fetal Health
PFAs are perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as forever chemicals because they build up in humans and do not break down in the environment. Small doses of PFAS have been linked to several forms of cancer, as well as birth defects, developmental delays, reproductive and immune system harm and other diseases. These are some of the reasons why people have filed PFAs lawsuits.
What are PFAS?
PFAS chemicals are widely used to make products resistant to oil, heat, stain or water. They are found in everything from cosmetics to outdoor gear and non-stick pans. They also are used to coat paper and cardboard wrappers for fast food and bakery goods and are found in stain-resistant furniture and carpets treated with stain- and water-repellant chemicals. The armed services and municipal fire departments across the U.S. have used fire retardant foams containing PFAS — known as aqueous film-forming foam — at least since the 1970s.
Birth defects occur during fetal development and are often caused by environmental exposures. Toxic chemicals like PFAS can damage parental DNA or interfere with fetal growth, leading to malformations of the heart, brain, limbs and other organs. These defects are often irreversible and can result in lifelong disability.
Corporate Concealment Revealed by PFAs Lawyers
Internal documents obtained by PFAS lawyers have revealed that 3M was aware of PFAS toxicity as early as the 1970s. Studies found that even low doses caused organ damage and death in lab animals. Yet, the company continued to manufacture and distribute PFAS while suppressing safety data. This strategy allowed PFAS to infiltrate water supplies, soil, and consumer products across the country.
The New Jersey PFAS lawsuit settlement funds will support statewide PFAS abatement and health monitoring, but critics argue that the damage—especially to vulnerable populations like pregnant women and children—has already been done.
In 2018, 3M agreed to pay Minnesota $850 million for contaminating drinking water and natural resources in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. In 2023, 3M also reached a nationwide PFAS litigation settlement with public water suppliers for up to $12.5 billion to address PFAS contamination in drinking water.
Children at Risk: A National PFAs Crisis
A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health revealed that 90% of U.S. preschoolers had detectable levels of toxic chemicals, including PFAS, in their bodies. Many children ages 2 to 4 alarmingly had higher concentrations than their mothers did during pregnancy, suggesting ongoing exposure through food, air and household items.
Experts said the widespread contamination poses a serious threat to early development, potentially leading to cognitive impairments, behavioral disorders, and chronic illness.
“Our study shows that childhood exposure to potentially harmful chemicals is widespread. This is alarming because we know early childhood is a critical window for brain and body development,” said Deborah H. Bennett, lead author and University of California-Davis professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences. “Many of these chemicals are known or suspected to interfere with hormones, brain development, and immune function.”
Our Birth Defects Lawyers Fight on Behalf of Victims
Our Dallas, Texas, birth defects law firm is committed to holding corporations accountable when toxic exposure leads to life-altering harm. Our experienced birth defects lawyers represent families nationwide, pursuing justice for children born with preventable conditions caused by hazardous chemicals and environmental risks. If you believe toxic exposure played a role in your child’s birth defects, we are here to help you understand your rights and take legal action.
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