PFAS, or "forever chemicals," are emerging as a significant litigation risk, with a growing number of lawsuits targeting companies across various industries. Major settlements, such as those involving BASF, 3M, and DuPont, underscore the financial stakes for businesses tied to PFAS contamination, particularly in drinking water.
However, the scope of future litigation could extend far beyond chemical manufacturers to include retailers and even venues with PFAS in their products or materials. Given the widespread presence of PFAS, risk managers must conduct comprehensive reviews to identify potential exposures, quantify risks, and implement both retrospective and prospective mitigation strategies.
As PFAS-related claims are likely to increase, proactive risk management is crucial to minimize financial and reputational damage.