The billion-dollar question: will PFAS litigation be settled before firefighters’ cancer cases reach trial?
Iain Hoey
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Firefighters’ cancer cases move toward trial
The Minnesota Star Tribune has reported that jury trials for firefighter cancer claims linked to PFAS-containing firefighting foam are scheduled to begin in October 2025.
According to the newspaper, thousands of claimants allege that 3M’s foams caused cancer, with the first “bellwether” case focusing on kidney cancer due to be heard on 20 October.
Attorney Ronald Miller, who represents plaintiffs, wrote that he expects settlements to be reached before the trial.
3M, based in Maplewood, Minnesota, has already faced PFAS-related costs including a $12.5 billion settlement in 2023 over water contamination claims.
The manufacturer stated that it will address PFAS litigation through either court defence or negotiated resolutions, depending on the circumstances.
Ongoing financial impact on 3M
The Star Tribune reported that analysts estimate 3M may still face between $5 billion and $15 billion in additional PFAS-related payouts.
RBC Capital Markets analyst Deane Dray said that litigation costs will affect cash flow and may limit funds available for new product development.
UBS analyst Amit Mehrotra told 3M’s CEO Bill Brown during an investor call that pending liabilities remain a drag on the company’s valuation.
A Baptista Research report stated that 3M’s balance sheet remains strong enough to cover litigation expenses while continuing to pursue growth.
The company ended PFAS manufacturing this year but continues to manage legal challenges.
History of PFAS use and regulation
The Star Tribune explained that 3M has produced PFAS since the 1950s for products including Scotchgard and firefighting foam.
Internal documents show the company recognised by the 1970s and 1980s that the chemicals do not break down easily and accumulate in the environment and human bodies.
Health studies have linked certain types of PFAS to cancer and other risks.
3M paid $850 million in 2018 to settle a PFAS contamination case with the State of Minnesota.
Since then, thousands of lawsuits have been filed by individuals, municipalities and states.
Multidistrict litigation and bellwether trials
The firefighting foam cases have been combined in a South Carolina federal court under multidistrict litigation.
The first bellwether trial is scheduled to begin on 20 October 2025.
Federal Judge Richard M. Gergel has urged settlement talks and appointed a mediator.
He said in court last year that defending the cases nationwide could impose high costs on 3M.
The Star Tribune reported that 3M has faced similar processes before, including a series of bellwether trials that led to a $6 billion earplug settlement.
Global and state-level lawsuits
The Star Tribune said that 3M faces legal claims not only in the United States but also in Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands.
The company recently agreed to pay up to $450 million to settle claims from New Jersey’s attorney general.
More than 30 other state attorneys general are pursuing litigation.
In addition, around 50 cases are pending from local governments, landowners and businesses.
3M’s most recent filings reference PFAS nearly 300 times, reflecting the scale of ongoing liabilities.
CEO perspective on litigation
3M CEO Bill Brown has said in investor calls that he aims to balance litigation expenses with product innovation.
He explained that the company must maintain cash flexibility to manage cases while investing in growth.
Brown said last month: “These are all settling legacy issues, and we’re going to deal with this as best as we can.”
He added: “It’s important for us to make sure that we maintain the cash flexibility to handle these issues as they come, yet still invest in the growth of the company.”
Brown’s approach differs from his predecessor Mike Roman, who publicly prioritised reducing legal uncertainty.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The litigation centres on firefighting foams containing PFAS, a material long used to suppress fuel fires.
Firefighters allege in court filings that their use of the foams caused cancer.
The outcomes of the bellwether trials will inform future settlements and potential compensation for affected firefighters.
For safety professionals, the proceedings illustrate the long-term health, financial and regulatory consequences of firefighting chemicals.
PFAS litigation trials against 3M scheduled in US: Summary
Jury trials for firefighter cancer claims linked to PFAS foams are scheduled to begin in October 2025.
The Minnesota Star Tribune reported that thousands of plaintiffs allege 3M’s foams caused cancer.
The first bellwether case, focusing on kidney cancer, is set for 20 October.
Attorney Ronald Miller suggested the cases may settle before trial.
3M said it will handle PFAS litigation either in court or through negotiations.
Analysts estimate additional PFAS payouts between $5 billion and $15 billion.
3M previously paid $12.5 billion in 2023 for water contamination claims.
The company ended PFAS manufacturing in 2025.
More than 12,000 firefighting foam cases are included in a multidistrict proceeding in South Carolina.
A mediator has been appointed to encourage settlement.
Global cases continue in Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands.
New Jersey reached a $450 million settlement with 3M.
Over 30 state attorneys general are pursuing litigation.
About 50 additional cases involve local governments, landowners and businesses.
3M’s CEO Bill Brown has said the company will balance legal expenses with product development.
Brown noted the need to maintain cash flexibility while investing in growth.
Former CEO Mike Roman prioritised reducing risk from lawsuits.
3M has previously settled other large cases, including a $6 billion earplug settlement.
The litigation concerns PFAS, which are persistent chemicals with links to health risks.
Firefighters allege exposure to foams containing PFAS caused cancer.
The bellwether outcomes will influence future settlements and compensation.