This page provides an essential timeline and overview of the ongoing PFAS contamination litigation, EPA regulations, and related settlements. We will update this page regularly as new information becomes available. Bookmark this page for the latest updates.
Essential Timeline of PFAS Contamination Events
- 1940s: PFAS chemicals are first introduced and used in various consumer and industrial products.
- Early Years: PFAS are incorporated into products like Teflon, Scotchgard, firefighting foams, and waterproof clothing.
- 1998: Litigation begins with a lawsuit against DuPont for cattle losses near a PFOA-contaminated landfill.
- 2001: A class action lawsuit is filed against DuPont on behalf of 70,000 residents near the Washington Works plant.
- 2005: DuPont reaches a $16.5 million settlement with the EPA for environmental violations and settles the 2001 class action for up to $235 million for medical monitoring.
- 2006: A voluntary agreement between the EPA and major companies leads to the phase-out of PFAS in U.S. manufacturing.
- 2012: An EPA epidemiological study links PFAS exposure to six diseases in residents near DuPont’s Washington Works plant.
- 2015: Chemours is spun off from E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co.
- 2016: The EPA issues initial health advisories for PFOA and PFOS, setting a combined limit of 70 parts per trillion (ppt).
- 2017: PFA MDL litigation involving 3,550 plaintiffs with personal injury claims against DuPont are settled for $670 million.
- January 2020: Michigan Attorney General files a PFA contamination lawsuit against 17 defendants, including 3M.
- 2020: 3M announces its intent to end PFOA and PFOS manufacturing by the end of 2025.
- September 11, 2020: Hopatcong Borough, NJ, files a federal lawsuit against 3M for water contamination.
- January 22, 2021: DuPont, Corteva, and Chemours commit $1.185 billion to resolve PFAS liabilities and $83 million to settle Ohio MDL claims.
- March 2, 2021: 3M argues in Michigan federal court that a PFAS lawsuit should be moved from state to federal court.
- Recent Years: Increasing awareness and continued litigation of PFAS contamination across the U.S.
- June 15, 2022: The EPA issues revised, stricter health advisories for PFAS, indicating effectively no safe level for PFOA and PFOS.
- March 2023: The EPA proposes the first national drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS and announces its intention to regulate additional PFAS.
- June 22, 2023: 3M reaches a settlement agreement between $10.3 billion to $12.5 billion with cities, towns, and public water systems for PFAS contamination.
- Ongoing: Continued efforts by the EPA to regulate PFAS and ongoing litigation against manufacturers.
Key Developments and Settlement Details
Navigating Uncertainty: The Evolving Landscape of PFAS Litigation and Environmental Regulation
As environmental litigation gains momentum across the country, particularly around PFAS contamination, legal practitioners and corporate stakeholders alike are facing a shifting regulatory and scientific terrain marked by uncertainty, evolving risk standards, and increasing public scrutiny.
A Patchwork of Regulation and Risk
The lack of regulatory uniformity between states continues to challenge firms and agencies. With the federal government releasing executive orders and relying on foundational statutes like the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act, the direction remains unclear. Cases such as Sackett v. EPA have further complicated interpretations of federal authority, leaving state agencies and businesses navigating a fractured compliance environment.
States are becoming more risk-averse, prompting stakeholders to reevaluate the course and expectations set for clients. Each state’s approach to risk-based guidance varies, and the absence of collaboration between federal and state governments has only added to the confusion. This fragmented landscape demands that firms remain nimble and proactive in their strategies.
PFAS and the Rise of AFFF Litigation
The spotlight remains on PFAS chemicals and AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) used in firefighting, with growing concern over the environmental and health risks associated with their widespread use. In mid-April, a number of executive orders impacting the evolving legal landscape were issued, and “Science Day” in the AFFF litigation is scheduled June 20, 2025, which will likely shape upcoming arguments with its focus on the scientific underpinnings of PFAS-related claims. The first bellwether trial is scheduled for October 20, 2025.
The reliance on federal counterparts for science-based decision-making highlights both the importance—and current limitations—of centralized guidance. The absence of a coordinated framework hampers enforcement and puts added pressure on individual states to define their own policies.
Mass Tort Potential and Environmental Justice
As enforcement actions decline and oversight continues to erode, plaintiffs’ firms are paying attention to the increasing mass tort potential. A deteriorating environmental landscape, combined with lack of remediation and regulatory stagnation, heightens third-party ring to liability and opens the door for large-scale litigation.
In places like New Jersey, where environmental justice has become a priority, the void of meaningful progress reflects a national challenge: ensuring environmental policies keep pace with scientific and legal realities.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Legal teams must remain alert to emerging federal and state policies, scientific updates, and public sentiment. A coordinated litigation strategy rooted in science, regulatory knowledge, and risk communication is no longer optional—it’s critical.
3M’s $10.3 Billion PFAS Settlement
On June 22, 3M Co. reached a significant settlement agreement to address PFAS contamination in U.S. drinking water systems. This settlement, valued between $10.3 billion and $12.5 billion, aims to resolve thousands of lawsuits alleging that 3M’s products contaminated public water supplies with “forever chemicals.” The funds will be distributed over 13 years, supporting affected communities with water filtration and testing. This settlement resolves current and future claims, divided into two phases: compensating systems with existing PFAS detections and addressing future detections.
EPA’s Stricter PFAS Health Advisories
The EPA has revised its health advisories for PFAS, reflecting new scientific research. The new guidelines indicate that there is effectively no safe level of PFOA and PFOS in drinking water. These “forever chemicals” pose significant health risks, including cancer, liver damage, and developmental issues.
The EPA has also announced plans to propose national drinking water regulations for PFOA and PFOS, with a final determination expected in the coming years.
Ongoing Litigation and Manufacturer Accountability
In addition to 3M, other manufacturers like DuPont, Corteva, and Chemours have committed billions to resolve PFAS liabilities. Litigation continues across the U.S., with states and municipalities seeking to hold manufacturers accountable for the widespread contamination.
The Potential Hazard of “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” pose a significant environmental and public health threat. These substances are highly persistent, accumulating in the environment and human bodies. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and immune system effects.
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Navigating the complexities of PFAS litigation requires robust case management, efficient data handling, and strategic claimant engagement. At Verus, we provide law firms with end-to-end mass tort support, tailored to the unique challenges of cases like the 3M PFAS settlement. From secure data collection portals and expert medical record retrieval to advanced analytics and streamlined claim submissions, our services are designed to maximize your case outcomes. Leverage our expertise to efficiently manage claimant interactions, identify eligible claims, and optimize your litigation budget.
Contact Verus today to learn how our data-driven approach can empower your firm to succeed in PFAS mass tort litigation.
Verus is an innovative litigation support services firm providing end-to-end litigation support to mass tort and class action law firms nationally. Our offerings include a full suite of services, including Case Management and Medical Review Services, Settlement Administration, Business & Advisory Services, lead generation, lien resolution and Analytics. Since 2004, Verus has administered over 8.5 million personal injury claims and disbursed over $8 billion dollars in settlement funds. For more information, contact us at 1-888-681-1129 or at www.verusllc.com
