State agencies in Minnesota are working together to manage per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — a group of thousands of human-made chemicals known to be toxic that do not break down in the environment, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." The chemicals are produced, used, processed, and released into the environment, yet we haven't thoroughly studied their toxicity and danger to people's health and the environment. PFAS are found in groundwater and surface water throughout Minnesota and have seeped into some drinking water systems.
The State of Minnesota has developed long-term comprehensive strategies to address PFAS contamination, including a pollution prevention plan phasing out avoidable PFAS use by 2032.
Minnesota’s PFAS plan
Minnesota’s PFAS Blueprint is a strategic, coordinated approach developed by multiple state agencies to protect families and communities from PFAS. The blueprint strategies for preventing, managing, and cleaning up PFAS found throughout the state. Ten priority areas center on research, new health guidance, drinking water and food protections, and tools for cleanup and prevention.
PFAS pollution prevention
Pollution prevention is the most effective way to protect human health, the environment, and our economy from PFAS. Minnesota is prioritizing PFAS pollution prevention by phasing out nonessential use of PFAS in new products and through PFAS in product reporting.
East Metro 3M PFAS settlement
With funding from a lawsuit settlement with 3M, the State of Minnesota is executing a comprehensive plan to ensure residents in the Twin Cities East Metro area have clean and safe drinking water. The settlement stems from a 2010 lawsuit filed by Minnesota’s attorney general alleging that 3M’s production of PFAS chemicals had damaged drinking water and natural resources. The company paid $850 million to settle the case.
PFAS in fish
Minnesota is a great state for fishing. Anglers benefit from thousands of beautiful lakes and rivers, a wide variety of fish, and a robust program for monitoring fish contaminants that helps people make informed choices about eating the fish they catch. Understanding contaminants found in fish, including PFAS, is also a window into understanding broader environmental effects of pollution.
Learn more about PFAS chemicals
Research into PFAS chemicals is ongoing, particularly into the ways in which they enter the environment and their potential effects on human health. This research, in turn, informs the laws and regulations needed to prevent, manage, and clean up PFAS pollution. Learn more on our PFAS pollutant page.