Chemours, DuPont, Corteva Settle PFAS Litigation for $1.185 Billion

Three companies with ties to former chemical maker DuPont said Friday that they have agreed to pay $1.185 billion in the first major settlement in a landmark environmental fight in which hundreds of communities allege that so-called “forever chemicals” in firefighting foam contaminated drinking water. Chemours, DuPont and Corteva reached the proposed nationwide class-action settlement to resolve their part in lawsuits brought by about 300 communities against an array of chemical companies and others that made or sold firefighting foam. Paul Napoli, a lead plaintiffs attorney in the firefighting-foam litigation, said the proposed settlement was a “significant stride toward justice.” But citing the remaining claims, he said the plaintiffs would “relentlessly continue to demand DuPont and others fully answer for their actions.” “The wake of their actions has left an indelible mark on countless Americans, causing personal injuries and cancer, including among our bravest—firefighters and military personnel who have developed cancer due to exposure to these chemicals,” Napoli said. The total PFAS liability for DuPont, Chemours and Corteva, which would include other lawsuits that don’t involve firefighting foam, such as personal-injury claims tied to industrial discharges of the chemicals, has been estimated at $19.5 billion by Capstone, a Washington-based firm that advises investors and companies on regulatory issues.