Vermont sues DuPont, other chemical companies over PFAS

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The state of Vermont is joining a growing number of states in suing major chemical companies, including DuPont and 3M for damages it says was caused to groundwater, drinking water, and other natural resources by the contamination of a class of potentially toxic chemicals.

The Vermont attorney general’s office filed the lawsuits on Wednesday.

The chemicals— known as PFAS — have been used in coatings meant to protect consumer goods and are commonplace in households across the United States. Studies have found potential links between high levels of PFOA in the body and a range of illnesses including kidney cancer, increased cholesterol levels and problems in pregnancies.

PFAS contamination was found in water around two former factories in the Bennington area.

New Hampshire sued eight companies in May.