3M agrees to $10.3 billion settlement in "forever chemicals" claims

3M has struck a $10.3 billion settlement with U.S. cities and towns over claims of water pollution from "forever chemicals," the chemical and manufacturing company announced Thursday.

Why it matters: The settlement in the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) case that'd be paid over a 13-year period marks a major step in efforts to curb the threat of the chemicals that've been linked to health problems, and which were found to have contaminated drinking water systems.

Minnesota-based 3M is facing thousands of lawsuits over PFAS contamination claims and has pledged to stop making and using...