A state environmental regulator in Kentucky has subpoenaed 3M for information on toxic chemical releases from its Cynthiana plant, deepening scrutiny of the company's role in PFAS contamination.
Utkarsh Shetti reports for Reuters.
In short:
- In May, Kentucky’s Energy and Environment Cabinet issued a subpoena to 3M requesting details on PFAS and other potentially hazardous substances used or released at its Cynthiana plant.
- The agency also directed 3M to create a plan to assess whether PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," have been discharged into the environment from the facility.
- 3M has faced numerous lawsuits tied to PFAS contamination and previously announced plans to halt all PFAS production by the end of 2025.
Why this matters:
Growing evidence links PFAS chemicals to serious health conditions, including cancers, immune system suppression, and reproductive issues. Contamination often comes from manufacturing plants, military bases, and waste sites, and can seep into drinking water or accumulate in soil. States like Kentucky are beginning to act more aggressively, even as federal regulation lags. As more communities uncover local PFAS pollution, questions grow about long-term health impacts and the cost of cleanup, especially in rural areas with fewer resources.
Related: Opinion: How citizen activists are scoring wins in the fight against forever chemicals
