Polyfluoro-alkyl Substances (PFAS)

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” are a family of human-made chemicals that have been widely used for decades. PFAS are useful because they can make products waterproof, stainproof, nonstick, heat-resistant, and more. However, there is a risk of PFAS pollution whenever a product containing PFAS is made, used, or even after it is disposed of. Reducing PFAS use in consumer products lowers human exposure and reduces PFAS entering the environment. PFAS are known to accumulate in humans and animals. Long-term exposure to PFAS is known to affect human health.Graphic showing where PFAS comes from and where it can be found.Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

PFAS impacts on human health

Long-term exposure to PFAS in even small amounts can affect human health. Exposure to some PFAS has been associated with an elevated risk of negative health outcomes, including impaired immune systems, liver problems, lower birthweight, and certain cancers. PFAS can build up in a person’s body and be passed from pregnant people to infants before birth and through breastfeeding, making infants and children at high risk for PFAS exposure. To learn more visit the Minnesota Department of Health website: PFAS and Health - MN Dept. of Health [JN1] 

Minnesota 3M PFAS Settlement

On Feb. 20, 2018, the state of Minnesota settled its lawsuit against the 3M Company in return for a settlement of $850 million. Minnesota’s attorney general sued 3M in 2010 alleging that the company’s production of chemicals known as PFAS had damaged drinking water and natural resources in the southeast Twin Cities metro area. After legal and other expenses are paid, about $720 million will be invested in drinking water and natural resource projects in the Twin Cities east metropolitan region.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are co-trustees of these funds.

Find information about the settlement.

The settlement agreement has two priorities:

  1. Ensure safe and sustainable drinking water.
  2. Enhance natural resources.

Priority 1: Ensure safe and sustainable drinking water.

With PFAS having contaminated domestic water supplies in a number of southeast metro communities, the top priority for grant funds is projects aimed at providing a clean, sustainable supply of drinking water in the area. State agencies set up various working groups to focus efforts and determine how to spend settlement funds on this priority. These groups include: 

The county has representatives on the Government/3M and Drinking Water Supply groups. 

Minnesota released the Final Drinking Water Supply Plan for affected communities to meet the goals of priority 1 in September 2021. Implementation of the Drinking Water Supply Plan is underway with communities, and the county continues to stay involved and updated.

Priority 2: Enhance natural resources.

The second priority for grant spending is to enhance aquatic resources, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreational opportunities in the east metropolitan area, or downstream of the area on the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers. These grant funds are to compensate for losses to recreational and ecological resources resulting from PFAS released by 3M.  The working groups identified above have also helped to shape the Priority 2 goals and priorities.

Questions or concerns

For questions about the 3M settlement and the county’s participation, email PHE@co.washington.mn.us. You can also visit the state’s 3M settlement for more information.

Reducing PFAS and Amara’s Law

Minnesota is protecting human health, the environment, and taxpayer dollars by reducing the use of PFAS. The PFAS Blueprint is Minnesota’s comprehensive strategy to protect families and communities from these substances through prevention, management, and clean up. New laws allow for greater PFAS pollution prevention by phasing out nonessential use of the chemicals in products.

In Minnesota, PFAS are already prohibited in food packaging and firefighting foam, with some exceptions, as of 2024. As of January 2025, a comprehensive PFAS pollution prevention law called Amara’s Law took effect requiring 11 categories of consumer products sold or distributed in Minnesota to be made without PFAS. Reporting requirements on remaining PFAS use begin in 2026. By 2032, nonessential use of PFAS in products will be prohibited.

For more information:

Graphic showing how \"forever chemicals\" are being reduced in MN from 2024-2036.

Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency