PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha filed a lawsuit Thursday against the manufacturers of so-called “forever chemicals,” commonly referred to as PFAS, saying they have caused significant harm to the state’s residents and natural resources.
Neronha faulted the companies for engaging in what he described as “a massive and widespread campaign to knowingly deceive the public,” moving assets to avoid paying for damages, and manufacturing, marketing and selling hazardous chemicals for decades while knowing the risks.
Attorney General Peter Neronha gives a victory speech after winning a second term, during an election-night gathering of Rhode Island Democratic candidates and supporters in Nov. 2022, in Providence, R.I. Mark Stockwell/Associated Press. file
The complaint, filed in Providence County Superior Court, alleges the companies violated state environmental and consumer protection laws.
“We are still uncovering the consequences of exposure to these hazardous chemicals by Rhode Islanders, but the burden of this enormous cost should be borne by the companies who made, marketed, and sold these products,” Neronha said.
Andrew Fasoli of the American Chemistry Council, an industry group, said not all PFAS are the same and they include a vast family of solid, liquid and gaseous substances.
“We support strong, science-based regulation of PFAS chemistries. But overly broad restrictions on this important technology could significantly harm economic growth, cost countless jobs, damage supply chain resiliency, and hamper businesses and consumers from accessing the products they need,” he said in a statement.
PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been linked to cancer and other health problems in humans. They are called “forever chemicals” because they don’t degrade in the environment and remain in the bloodstream.
They were used for years in firefighting foams, nonstick frying pans, water-repellent fabrics, stain-resistant rugs and other products.
Rhode Island’s General Assembly recently prohibited food packaging containing PFAS.
Other states have taken similar actions.
Maine filed lawsuits against 3M and DuPont in March, also alleging they knowingly polluted the environment and endangered public health. Massachusetts sued more than a dozen companies last year.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
