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ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a series of company initiatives and actions related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), demonstrating the company’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship. These initiatives build upon 3M’s long track record of industry leadership to enhance the sustainability of its products, even while the weight of scientific evidence does not establish that PFAS cause any adverse human health effects at current or past levels typically found in the environment.

Dr. Denise Rutherford, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs, will share 3M’s perspective on PFAS, outline the company’s record of responsible actions regarding the compounds and describe several new initiatives before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on the Environment, on Capitol Hill Tuesday, September 10, 2019.

“These initiatives are guided by 3M’s long history of corporate responsibility and our commitment to sound science,” said Dr. Rutherford. “I look forward to sharing 3M’s commitment and knowledge with the Subcommittee. We will continue to work with Congress and regulators to address PFAS concerns.”

Company Initiatives and Actions

1. Commitment to Ongoing Remediation: 3M commits to continuing remediation, in partnership with federal, state and local authorities, at its manufacturing sites where 3M produced or disposed of PFAS.
2. Coordinated Research into PFAS: As a science-based company, 3M believes a respected, established and independent scientific body should be called on to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing science on PFAS, inform the public of its findings, and set an agenda for additional research to address further questions. 3M is committed to supporting further research.
3. Sharing Best Practices on Detection, Measurement, and Remediation: 3M will establish a clearinghouse to share best practices and technology for detecting, measuring and, where appropriate, remediating PFAS. To further advance the science of PFAS, 3M will share analytical standards with other researchers for materials it produced.
4. Support for Nationwide Science-Based Regulation: 3M supports the U.S. EPA’s PFAS Action Plan and congressional efforts to set expedited and defined timelines for EPA to decide whether to set a nationwide Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) under the Safe Drinking Water Act for PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), and other PFAS. 3M supports legislation grounded in sound science, and 3M is committed to being a responsible participant in this discussion.
5. Ensuring Appropriate Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) Disposal: 3M ceased producing and selling AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) more than a decade ago. 3M will continue to work with its former customers to ensure that unused 3M AFFF containing PFOS is properly handled. When appropriate, 3M will take back that product from customers for safe disposal.

3M believes that only by convening all relevant stakeholders – from industry, government, technical, and other subject matter experts – can our country develop a comprehensive approach to PFAS. 3M is committed to working with Congress and continuing to work closely with concerned parties to develop a path forward, guided by the principles of sound science, responsibility, and transparency. As a society, we should be optimistic that, by bringing multiple parties and viewpoints together, we can facilitate a broader, more inclusive dialogue to make meaningful progress on this important topic.

3M’s Leadership and Ongoing Company Efforts

These initiatives and actions build upon 3M’s legacy of leadership regarding PFAS:

• 3M was the first company to voluntarily cease production of PFOS and PFOA, starting in 2000, as a proactive and precautionary measure.
• 3M discontinued the production and sale of AFFF more than a decade ago.
• 3M has invested hundreds of millions of dollars on—and continues to invest in—PFAS detection, measurement and remediation.
• 3M has supported and continues to support efforts to enhance global knowledge on PFAS, including placing more than 150 published studies in the public domain.

For more information about 3M’s ongoing efforts related to PFAS, please visit 3M’s Commitment to PFAS Stewardship page.

About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. Our 93,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews.

Fanna Haile-Selassie [email protected] 651-736-0876

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