Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Stillwater, Minn. (AP)

Judge rejects health claims in 3M lawsuit

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

[image]

A Washington County judge has ruled in an environmental lawsuit that pollution by 3M Co. did not hurt anyone.

District Judge Mary Hannon made her ruling in a lawsuit against the Maplewood-based company. Hannon decided there is no proof anyone has been hurt by tiny amounts of perfluorochemicals, or PFCs, in drinking water.

The ruling does not stop the lawsuit, but it undercuts a key argument raised by the plaintiffs in the four-year-old case.

The judge also ruled that punitive damages against 3M may be considered in the trial, scheduled for May 4.

No representatives for either side would comment, citing instructions from the judge.

A 3M spokesman says the company "is prepared to defend whatever claims remain part of the case."

PFCs were made by 3M starting in the 1940s. The company legally disposed of wastes containing PFCs in several landfills, a practice that ended in the 1970s. In 2004, traces of the chemicals were found in groundwater from Lake Elmo to Hastings.

---

Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press, http://www.twincities.com

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)