Firefighters Sue 3M, DuPont Over 'Forever Chemicals' Contamination

A federal judge in Connecticut has ruled that 3M, DuPont, and Honeywell must face claims from Connecticut firefighters who allege their protective gear was contaminated with toxic 'forever chemicals' called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The lawsuit alleges that the firefighters' turnout gear leached PFAS through absorption into skin, ingestion, and inhalation, increasing their risk of cancer. The proposed class action is the first to exclusively target firefighter gear containing PFAS.

U.S. District Judge Alvin Thompson ruled that the unions had 'organizational' standing to seek damages, and firefighters could seek damages and medical monitoring even if they had no outward symptoms of cancer and other diseases.

The judge also found that 3M owed a duty to warn about the risks and committed negligence regarding its Scotchlite reflective material. PFAS are widely used in consumer and commercial products, including cosmetics, non-stick pans, and stain-resistant clothing.