3M announces progress on PFAS initiatives and actions

Business's Wire (StreetInsider.com) | March 19, 2020

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“ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– 3M announced its latest actions as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to research and share information related to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These actions advance the five initiatives and actions 3M announced in September 2019, building on the company’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship. Most prominently, 3M has launched a research clearinghouse webpage and is releasing previously unavailable PFAS reference standards. These mark an important step in advancing the collective scientific knowledge around PFAS.

The clearinghouse compiles published research 3M has conducted around PFAS testing, measurement and remediation best practices to facilitate access to information for communities and officials around the country. In addition, industry-leading PFAS reference standards will be made available for free to government officials, researchers and academic institutions. There are many different types of PFAS, and many reference standards for these compounds are not commercially available. 3M’s samples will make it easier to reliably study and test for PFAS materials—decreasing costs and expediting timelines for researchers.

‘I am proud of the work we have done to engage with stakeholders and positively contribute toward the science of PFAS,’ said Denise Rutherford, senior vice president, 3M Corporate Affairs. ‘We believe that current and future progress resulting from these actions can help facilitate a more inclusive, science-based discussion around PFAS and the critical role they play in so many modern applications.’

3M has also made progress on its other previously announced initiatives, including a commitment to ongoing remediation, coordinating research into PFAS, supporting nationwide science-based regulation, and ensuring appropriate disposal of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)."

This content provided by the PFAS Project.