3M has agreed to pay as much as $7.35 billion to resolve lawsuits tied to groundwater contamination linked to firefighting foam and other products containing potentially harmful chemicals. The agreement is expected to address claims from roughly 120,000 people who were exposed to PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," near military bases and airports. These substances have been associated with health problems such as liver damage and cancer. 3M said it will make payments over nine years, while not admitting liability.
The same chemicals are also used in products designed to resist water and grease, including clothing and cookware. They can build up in the body over time.
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