PFAS Contamination: Trial Begins Against Chemical Giant 3M in Belgium - 1,400 Belgians sue 3M over decades of PFAS exposure from Antwerp plant

Over 1,400 Belgian residents are taking legal action against US chemical giant 3M. They claim decades of exposure to harmful PFAS chemicals from the company's plant in Zwijndrecht, near Antwerp. The lawsuit demands compensation for potential health risks linked to the long-lasting contamination.

The case centres on 3M's chemical plant, which has operated in Zwijndrecht since 1970. The company states it stopped producing PFAS there in 2024, but environmental contamination persists. These so-called 'forever chemicals'—including PFOS and PFOA—do not break down easily and can accumulate in the human body.

Plaintiffs argue that prolonged exposure may have caused serious health issues, such as liver damage, weakened vaccine responses, and higher cancer risks. Each of the 1,400 claimants is seeking €20,000 in provisional damages, bringing the total to nearly €30 million. This follows a 2022 settlement where 3M paid €571 million to the Flemish government for soil remediation near the plant.

A separate criminal investigation into 3M's activities is still underway, though no charges have yet been brought. Meanwhile, the European Commission is preparing a wide-ranging ban on PFAS, though delays mean the proposal may not arrive for several more months.

Belgium, alongside Italy and France, previously raised concerns about PFAS health impacts with EU leaders in October 2023. However, broader legal actions against companies over PFAS contamination remain limited to these regions in available records.

The lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns over PFAS pollution and its long-term effects on local communities. If successful, the case could set a precedent for future claims against chemical manufacturers. The outcome may also influence the European Commission's timeline for stricter PFAS regulations.