New York files a lawsuit against 3M, DuPont, and other companies, alleging they caused a public nuisance by selling “forever chemicals” known as PFAS that the state says are harmful to health and the environment. The case, brought by Attorney General Letitia James, contends that the defendants knowingly concealed risks associated with PFAS for decades, while continuing to market and sell consumer and related products that could expose people to the chemicals.
According to the reports, the lawsuit centers on allegations that companies hid environmental and health dangers from consumers even as they began phasing out some PFAS. The sources also describe the chemicals as being used in a range of consumer goods, including cosmetics and non-stick cookware, and they cite claims involving PFAS impacts on drinking water. The companies are accused of taking steps to address the chemicals’ use only after acknowledging the risks.
The outlets do not describe the companies’ responses in the provided material, but the lawsuit seeks legal remedies based on the state’s contention that the alleged concealment and continued sale contributed to ongoing harm.
