3M, maker of Post-it notes, cleaning supplies, to phase out ‘forever chemicals’
WASHINGTON –
3M will section out the manufacturing of so-called “forever chemicals” and attempt to get them out of all their merchandise inside two years, the chemical and shopper merchandise maker stated Tuesday.
The choice introduced Tuesday arrives after U.S. environmental regulators designated the chemical substances — utilized in nonstick frying pans, water-repellent sports activities gear, stain-resistant rugs, cosmetics and numerous different shopper merchandise because the Forties – as hazardous substances underneath the Superfund regulation.
While the designation will not be an outright ban, polyfluoroalkyl substances, higher referred to as PFAS, require a report back to federal, state or tribal officers if the quantity launched into soil or water meet or exceed a sure degree. The Environmental Protection Agency might then require cleanups to guard public well being and get well cleanup prices.
PFAS have been voluntarily phased out by U.S. producers however are nonetheless in restricted use and stay within the surroundings as a result of they don’t degrade over time.
3M stated its choice was primarily based on a number of components, together with “accelerating regulatory trends focused on reducing or eliminating the presence” of the chemical substances within the surroundings.
The chemical substances can accumulate and persist within the human physique for lengthy intervals of time, and proof from animal and human research signifies that publicity to PFAS might result in most cancers or different well being issues, together with injury to organs together with the liver, kidneys and thyroid gland.
3M, primarily based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, stated it would exit all PFAS manufacturing and “work to discontinue use of PFAS” in all its merchandise by the tip of 2025.
3M makes a broad vary of shopper merchandise, together with Post-it notes, Scotch Brite cleansing provides, adhesives and private protecting gear.
Chemical and different industrial corporations have been sued incessantly lately for downplaying the hazards of the chemical substances.
In a November lawsuit, the state of California accused 3M, Dupont and 16 smaller corporations of protecting up the hurt brought on to the surroundings and the general public from chemical substances manufactured by the corporations which have over many years discovered their manner into waterways and human bloodstreams.
Last yr, the Biden administration launched a broad technique to control the poisonous industrial compounds that the EPA stated are more and more turning up in public consuming water programs, non-public wells and even meals.
The Defense Department, Food and Drug Administration and Agriculture Department have been all tapped to hitch the trouble supposed to limit PFAS from being launched into the surroundings and speed up cleanup.
