3M has agreed to pay $7.35 billion over nine years to settle almost all of the 115,000 to 120,000 personal injury claims related to its use of PFAS chemicals. The settlement covers claims both inside and outside a federal court in South Carolina. The company will make a $50 million payment in 2026, with about 20% of the total due in the final two years. This payment schedule is designed to match 3M’s other legacy settlement obligations, according to the company.
PFAS, a group of chemicals used in products like stain-proof textiles and firefighting foams, have been linked by the US Environmental Protection Agency to increased cancer risks and other health issues. Plaintiffs have cited conditions such as kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease and ulcerative colitis. Payouts will vary based on several factors. 3M shares rose 1.7% after the news, and the stock is up 11% this year.
The company exited PFAS manufacturing at the end of 2025 and has previously agreed to pay up to $12.5 billion to US public water suppliers and made separate agreements in New Jersey. Bloomberg Intelligence estimates 3M’s total legal exposure could reach $20 billion, with up to $15 billion still at risk from unresolved environmental claims.
