$5B Minnesota Suit Alleges 3M Chemicals Caused Cancer And Infertility

"Attorney General Lori Swanson says health and environmental damage totaled $5 billion. "

"The logo for 3M appears on a screen above the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017. Caterpillar and Post-it note maker 3M lead a rally in industrial companies, while banks are climbing along with interest rates.

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson says toxic chemicals dumped by 3M Co. in the East Metro suburb Oakdale caused higher rates of cancer, infertility and low birthweight babies — the first time anyone has estimated the potential human health impact of groundwater contamination in the area since the problem came to light almost two decades ago.

In court briefs filed Friday, Swanson included the conclusions of an expert environmental witness, while alleging that the health and environmental damage of the contamination totals $5 billion and arguing that 3M should be liable for punitive damages."

Josephine Marcotty reports for the Minneapolis Star Tribune November 20, 2017.