BASF Corp.—the North American affiliate of the German chemical company—has agreed to pay $316.5 million as a settlement to resolve claims related to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in drinking water.

On May 21, BASF announced a $316.5 million settlement with several U.S. public water systems, addressing allegations that the company’s firefighting foam contaminated water supplies with toxic ‘forever chemicals.’ This settlement, endorsed by a federal judge, aims to assist towns, cities, and public water systems in addressing PFAS contamination. BASF will disburse $4 million in July 2024 and the remaining $312.5 million in March 2025 as part of the agreement. The company emphasized that the settlement does not imply admitting liability or wrongdoing and plans to seek reimbursement through its various insurance policies.

BASF is one of nearly two dozen chemical companies facing lawsuits from water systems over PFAS pollution, with the cases consolidated in a federal court in South Carolina. These lawsuits claim that PFAS, used in firefighting foams, contaminated groundwater near fire stations and airports across the U.S.

In 2023, these lawsuits resulted in over $11 billion in settlements between U.S. water systems and major chemical companies, including 3MMMM.N, Chemours, Corteva, and DuPont. Additionally, in April, Tyco Fire Products, a Johnson Controls unit, agreed to a $750 million settlement.

 

How Can Ingenious e-Brain’s Expertise Benefit Your Business?

Ingenious e-Brain (IeB) can assist companies navigate through financial & regulatory challenges by conducting in-depth studies such as:

• Regulatory Compliance Analysis: Evaluating current and upcoming regulations related to PFAS.
• Risk Assessment and Management Studies: Identifying and mitigating risks associated with PFAS usage.
• Market Impact Studies: Analyzing how PFAS regulations affect market dynamics and competitive positioning.
• Sustainability and Substitution Research: Investigating alternative materials and sustainable practices to replace PFAS in manufacturing processes.

These studies will provide strategic insights to help companies navigate the complexities of PFAS management and compliance.

 

About Ingenious e-Brain

Ingenious e-Brain provides high-quality, customized, and cost-effective Technology Research, Business Research, and Intellectual Property Research solutions to industry leaders and innovative companies across the globe. Innovation, knowledge, and transparency form the basis of our company’s mission and vision. Along with cost benefits, we provide the highest quality results ensuring fool-proof confidentiality and security. We are an ISO-certified company with offices in India and USA.

Ingenious e-Brain has a strong team of analysts and subject matter experts with domain proficiency which is devoted to helping clients grow. Our highly qualified professionals offer tailored, value-added, and cost-effective services to our clients. We believe in building long-term relationships with our clients which include national and international corporations, Fortune 500 companies, the world’s leading research institutes and universities as well as independent inventors.