New Jersey's $2.5 billion 'forever chemicals' settlements with DuPont, 3M, others win court approval

The office of New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport had no immediate comment. DuPont, Chemours and Corteva did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In a statement, 3M said it was pleased, and that it exited all PFAS manufacturing last year.

Bumb overruled objections by Carneys Point Township and the Borough of Sayreville, which said New Jersey lacked power to resolve claims belonging to individual municipalities.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are found in hundreds of consumer and commercial products, including cosmetics, non-stick pans and stain-resistant clothing.

They are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily in the human body or environment. PFAS have been linked to negative health effects, including higher cholesterol, low birth weight, reduced antibody response to vaccines, and kidney and testicular cancer.