The Facts
On Thursday, Minnesota-based chemical manufacturer 3M Co. agreed to pay $10.3B to settle a host of lawsuits over the company's use of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or "forever chemicals" that had allegedly contaminated drinking water throughout the US.
Under the settlement, to be paid over 13 years, 3M will provide funding to cities and public water systems to test and treat PFAS contamination. The company had previously agreed to stop making and using the toxic chemical by the end of 2025.
The Spin
Narrative A
3M knew about the harm caused by PFAS yet manufactured the harmful chemicals for decades without informing the public. The company, which is directly responsible for contaminating America's drinking water, must be held liable for its complete disregard for public safety and the damage it has caused.
Narrative B
In addition to spending money and forming partnerships aimed at helping the environment, 3M has committed to stop making PFAS. The company 3M has been open and transparent about using PFAS and is deeply committed to helping communities remove pollutants from their water supplies.