3M, Corteva, and Chemours have been slapped with a class action lawsuit, accusing them of concealing the health dangers of “forever chemicals” used in carpets and rugs across the United States. Filed in federal court in Minnesota, the lawsuit aims to represent anyone who purchased and installed carpets before 2020 in properties they own. It alleges that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which the companies produced, were used in nearly all carpets up to that time for stain and water resistance.
The lawsuit demands economic compensation for the removal and replacement of tainted carpets, along with punitive damages. However, it does not seek damages for personal injuries. It charges the companies with violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), which, although originally designed to target organized crime, also addresses alleged conspiracies. The lawsuit includes multiple claims under state consumer protection laws, as well as common law claims such as nuisance, failure to warn, and design defects.
In response, 3M stated that it would handle PFAS litigation either through courtroom defense or negotiated settlements as appropriate. Meanwhile, Corteva and Chemours, both of which emerged from DuPont, have yet to comment.
PFAS are a group of chemicals used in various products, including firefighting foams, nonstick cookware, and stain-resistant fabrics. These chemicals have been associated with cancer and other health issues and are dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in both the human body and the environment.
The lawsuit highlights that DuPont was aware of PFAS toxicity as early as the 1950s but allegedly kept this information hidden. It accuses 3M of secretly funding a toxicology expert to suppress research on PFAS dangers.
Recently, the U.S. has introduced stricter regulations on PFAS, including new drinking water contamination standards and cleanup requirements under the federal Superfund program. The companies involved have already faced significant financial settlements: DuPont, Corteva, and Chemours collectively agreed to pay $1.19 billion to public water systems, while 3M settled for $10.3 billion.
The case is Peterson et al v. 3M et al, U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, No. 0:24-cv-03497.
