The state of Michigan could soon be taking legal action against the company that manufactures Scotchgard.
Governor Snyder asked the state’s Attorney General Bill Schuette to initiate legal action against the company because it makes products that use PFAS.
PFAS is a group of chemicals that are the source of ongoing water contamination around the state.
The chemicals have been linked to changes in liver, thyroid, and pancreatic function in animal studies.
In a statement released today, Snyder said the state is continually looking for ways to identify PFAS and understand its health effects.
“Because of the scale and the scope of this problem and the associated expenses, it is necessary to pursue legal action against those who continued to produce and market these products, even once they were identified as the cause of this environmental contaminant,” Snyder said.
A spokesperson for 3M, which makes products like Scotchgard and AFFF firefighting foam, says the company “will vigorously defend its record of environmental stewardship,” during any legal proceedings that arise.
This post has been updated to more accurately reflect where 3M stands in ongoing legal proccedings
