Multiple States Sue Companies Over Toxic 'Forever Chemicals' and Firefighting Foam

Several US states, including Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, are suing chemical manufacturers, including 3M and DuPont, over the contamination of drinking water with PFAS, or "forever chemicals." PFAS are synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the environment and are linked to serious health risks. More than 64 million people are affected by drinking water contaminated with PFAS. Manufacturers have announced plans to reduce or discontinue the production of PFAS, but lawsuits are mounting, with 3M's liability risk estimated at $20 billion to $25 billion.