duPont and its affiliates agree to pay New Jersey for PFAS pollution in the state's water supply
As of August 2025, the issue of PFAS contamination remains a significant concern across the United States, with thousands of lawsuits filed against major chemical companies. These companies include DuPont, Chemours, Corteva, 3M, and others, who are still defendants in extensive and active litigation.
DuPont and Chemours at the Heart of Ongoing Litigation
DuPont and Chemours continue to face large multi-district litigation (MDL) concerning PFAS contamination. Allegations against these companies typically assert that they knowingly produced or distributed PFAS chemicals, which polluted drinking water supplies and caused health issues.
Historic Settlements and Continuing Litigation
Recently, a historic $10.3 billion settlement was reported involving 3M and DuPont for lawsuits concerning PFAS contamination in public water systems. This settlement represents one of the largest financial resolutions to date. However, further litigation against DuPont, Chemours, and other defendants continues.
The total number of active PFAS-related lawsuits in federal court has grown to over 12,000 by August 2025, with more than 1,700 new lawsuits filed between May and July 2025 alone. These lawsuits are primarily class actions or group litigations brought by individuals and municipalities alleging exposure to PFAS caused health damages and environmental harm.
Focus on AFFF Firefighting Foam MDL
The AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) firefighting foam MDL remains a focal point, involving claims that manufacturers including DuPont, Chemours, 3M, and Tyco produced PFAS-containing foams that contaminated water at airports, military bases, and fire stations. Courts have selected several test sites across different states to help trace liability back to specific manufacturers via purchase records.
State-Level Action and Settlements
In New Jersey, the attorney general, Matthew Platkin, has been actively pursuing litigation against PFAS manufacturers. In May, Platkin's team agreed a settlement with 3M worth up to $450 million over PFAS contamination to the state's water and other natural resources. The companies involved in the proposed settlement are DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva, with payments split between them in the percentages of 35.5%, 50%, and 14.5% respectively.
More recently, DuPont agreed to pay a $27 million settlement to the Northern District of New York to resolve claims related to the contamination of drinking water in Hoosick Falls, New York with perfluorooctanoic acid. This settlement needs approval from a federal court.
Beyond New Jersey, DuPont proposed a settlement with the state of Ohio for $110 million to resolve claims associated with PFAS pollution. The companies were accused of contaminating New Jersey's natural resources for decades. The settlement requires final court approval after a public consultation.
Looking Ahead
The US state of New Jersey has reached a settlement deal worth over $2 billion (£1.5 billion) with DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva to resolve PFAS contamination. Under the proposed settlement, up to an additional $1.2 billion will be dedicated to a fund to support clean-up in affected areas.
The focus on PFAS contamination and the ongoing litigation against major chemical companies is expected to continue as more cases are filed and settlements are reached. The health and environmental impacts of PFAS contamination remain a significant concern, and efforts to address this issue are ongoing.
- The ongoing PFAS contamination issue sees DuPont and Chemours, among others, facing extensive multi-district litigation.
- Recent history includes a $10.3 billion settlement between DuPont, 3M, and others for lawsuits over PFAS contamination, but further litigation continues.
- As of August 2025, the number of active PFAS-related lawsuits in federal court has surpassed 12,000.
- The AFFF firefighting foam MDL is a key focus, with manufacturers like DuPont, Chemours, 3M, and Tyco accused of contaminating water at various locations.
- State-level actions are being pursued, for example, New Jersey's Attorney General Matthew Platkin reached a $450 million settlement with 3M over PFAS contamination.
- A proposed settlement deal in New Jersey between DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva aims to address PFAS contamination, worth over $2 billion, with potential for additional funds for clean-up.
