Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
3M agrees to pay $7.35 billion to settle PFAS injury claims
3M agreed to pay $7.35 billion over nine years to settle personal-injury claims linked to PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam.
The claims are part of litigation in the United States, including a federal case in South Carolina.
About 115,000 to 120,000 people may be eligible to take part in the settlement.
PFAS are often called “forever chemicals,” and the agreement covers claims related to foam containing these chemicals.
The settlement addresses about 99% of current claims inside and outside the federal litigation.
It is not an admission of liability, and 3M says it will continue to defend itself if certain settlement terms are not met.
Payments are spread over nine years, with a $50 million payment planned for 2026 and none for 2027.
3M agreed to pay $7.35 billion over nine years to settle PFAS-related personal-injury claims.
About 115,000 to 120,000 plaintiffs are eligible to participate in the resolution.
The claims primarily relate to firefighting foam containing PFAS and are focused on litigation in federal court in South Carolina.
3M said the agreement addresses approximately 99% of current personal-injury claims inside and outside the litigation.
The company said the settlement is not an admission of liability.
- Who
- 3M and people with PFAS-related personal-injury claims.
- What
- 3M agreed to a $7.35 billion settlement over nine years. The resolution covers approximately 115,000 to 120,000 eligible plaintiffs.
- When
- Announced November 3, 2026.
- Where
- The claims include litigation in federal district court in South Carolina, as well as claims outside that case.
- Why
- Plaintiffs claim they were hurt by PFAS, including compounds in firefighting foam.
People with PFAS-related injury claims
3M
Claims
People with PFAS-related injury claims
Plaintiffs say they were hurt by PFAS and brought personal-injury claims.
3M
3M agreed to settle the claims but said the agreement is not an admission of liability.
Litigation
People with PFAS-related injury claims
Plaintiffs sought compensation through claims inside and outside the AFFF Multi-District Litigation.
3M
3M said it is prepared to continue defending itself if agreed settlement terms are not fulfilled.
3M announced it would voluntarily phase out the PFAS compounds primarily related to the settled claims.
3M announced it would discontinue manufacturing all PFAS globally by the end of 2025.
3M said it had met its goal of discontinuing global PFAS manufacturing.
3M announced its agreement to settle the personal-injury claims.
- Settlement commitment
- $7.35 billion nominal value over nine years
- Present value
- $5.8 billion
- Eligible plaintiffs
- Approximately 115,000–120,000
- Claims addressed
- Approximately 99% of current personal-injury claims inside and outside the AFFF MDL
- Initial payment
- $50 million in 2026
- Reserve fund
- $680 million
4 sources
What people are saying
This settlement is a significant milestone for 3M and substantially reduces litigation uncertainty
With this, we will continue our focus on transforming the enterprise, strengthening operating rigor and delivering predictable, long-term performance.