HOOSICK FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The village of Hoosick Falls is nearing a final victory against the companies that were accused of contaminating its water supply: DuPont has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit for $27 million.
In 2016, a chemical called PFOA, which had been used in the making of Teflon at a fabric-coating plant in Hoosick Falls, was discovered in the village’s water supply.
PFOA is one of thousands of substances that are known as “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years instead of breaking down.
Exposure to these chemicals, also called PFAS, has been linked to cancer and other health issues. PFOA in particular has been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, as well as conditions including ulcerative colitis and thyroid disease.
The lawsuit was filed against four companies: 3M, Saint-Gobain, Honeywell and DuPont.
3M, Saint-Gobain and Honeywell settled in 2021 for $65 million.
The settlement with DuPont is still awaiting final approval, but if it goes through, it will bring the total amount recovered in the lawsuit to $92 million.
PFAS are commonly used in a wide range of nonstick, waterproof and stain resistant items including pans, dental floss, makeup, furniture and clothing.
They have also become pervasive in U.S. waterways, tap water and human beings — and are estimated to be in the bloodstream of at least 97 percent of Americans.
While virtually every American has been exposed to these chemicals, communities such as Hoosick Falls near factories or other areas where they are made or used in large quantities have seen outsized impacts from exposure.
—Rachel Frazin contributed.
