Chemical makers to set aside $1.19B to settle PFAS-related claims

(Reuters) — Chemical makers Chemours Co., DuPont de Nemours Inc. and Corteva Inc. said Friday they would set up a $1.19 billion fund to settle PFAS-related drinking water claims in the United States.

The companies are facing several lawsuits in the U.S. over their alleged role in polluting drinking water with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.”

Chemours said it would contribute half the agreed amount while the remaining would be provided by DuPont and Corteva after the companies reached an in-principle agreement.

Chemours will take a pre-tax charge in the current quarter of $592 million related to the fund.

“Forever chemicals,” which have been used for decades in manufacturing nonstick coatings such as Teflon, have also been linked to cancer, hormonal dysfunction and weakening the immune system as well as environmental damage.