3M Announces Industrial Chemical 'PFAS' Environmental Initiatives, Actions

   By Stephen Nakrosis

3M Co. (MMM) on Monday announced a series of initiatives related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.

The initiatives "build upon 3M's long track record of industry leadership to enhance the sustainability of its products, even while the weight of scientific evidence does not establish that PFAS cause any adverse human health effects at current or past levels typically found in the environment," the company said.

Among the initiatives, 3M said it is conducting ongoing remediation efforts at its manufacturing sites where it produced or disposed of PFAs, adding it has "invested hundreds of millions of dollars on -- and continues to invest in -- PFAS detection, measurement and remediation."

The company also said it was committed to supporting additional research and will "establish a clearinghouse to share best practices and technology for detecting, measuring and, where appropriate, remediating PFAS."

3M said it was supportive of efforts by U.S. lawmakers to decide whether the Environmental Protection Agency should set a nationwide Maximum Contaminant Level for PFOS, or perfluorooctane sulfonate, PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid, and other PFAS.

3M said it was "the first company to voluntarily cease production of PFOS and PFOA, starting in 2000, as a proactive and precautionary measure."

"These initiatives are guided by 3M's long history of corporate responsibility and our commitment to sound science," said Dr. Denise Rutherford, senior vice president of corporate affairs. "I look forward to sharing 3M's commitment and knowledge with the Subcommittee. We will continue to work with Congress and regulators to address PFAS concerns."

3M also said PFAS compounds continue to be made "by various companies, including 3M, and are used in everyday products." The company said PFAS encompass a broad group of substances, which are used in cell phones, semiconductors, commercial aircraft and low-emission vehicles. They are also used in stain resistant carpets, clothing and cookware.

Earlier this year, the EPA issued an action plan related to PFAS, laying out its "approach to identifying and understanding PFAS, approaches to addressing current PFAS contamination, preventing future contamination, and effectively communicating with the public about PFAS."

The EPA also said most people in the U.S. have been exposed to PFAS, adding "There is evidence that continued exposure above specific levels to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health effects."

Write to Stephen Nakrosis at stephen.nakrosis@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 09, 2019 14:05 ET (18:05 GMT)

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