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Benton Harbor Sues Corporations Over PFAS Contamination

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. r-sues-corporations-over-pfas-contamination.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 2nd 2026 at 8:54 GMT by Detroit Free Press
      Locales: Illinois, UNITED STATES

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (February 2nd, 2026) - Residents of Benton Harbor, Michigan, have launched a significant legal challenge against several major corporations, alleging widespread health issues and property devaluation stemming from persistent PFAS contamination of the city's drinking water. The lawsuit, filed this week in Berrien County Circuit Court, represents a growing national trend of communities holding manufacturers accountable for the long-term consequences of "forever chemicals" released into the environment.

The suit names 3M Co., DuPont, Wolverine World Wide, and other entities as defendants, accusing them of negligence, creating a public nuisance, and other related claims. At the heart of the litigation are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of man-made chemicals notorious for their resistance to degradation, leading to their accumulation in the environment and human bodies. Mounting scientific evidence links PFAS exposure to a range of severe health problems, including various cancers, immune system suppression, thyroid disorders, and developmental issues in children.

Benton Harbor's water crisis has been a particularly acute example of the PFAS problem. The contamination, primarily traced back to Wolverine World Wide, a footwear manufacturer with a long history in the area, has forced residents to rely on bottled water for years. While the city has made strides in improving water quality through filtration systems, concerns about long-term health effects and the potential for continued exposure remain widespread.

"We're seeking damages for the harm that's been caused to our clients, their health, and their property," explained Jonathan Adler, lead attorney for the plaintiffs. "This isn't just about past contamination; it's about the ongoing threat these chemicals pose to future generations. The costs associated with monitoring health, providing alternative water sources, and potentially treating PFAS-related illnesses are substantial, and these companies need to be held responsible."

The lawsuit isn't simply focused on medical expenses and property damage. It also seeks to address the broader economic impact on the community. Property values in Benton Harbor have demonstrably declined since the PFAS contamination became public, impacting homeowners and hindering economic development. The stigma associated with the contaminated water supply has also deterred potential investors and visitors.

Wolverine World Wide, through its legal counsel Elizabeth Whitacre, maintains that the company has been actively engaged in remediation efforts and is dedicated to environmental stewardship. "Wolverine World Wide has been working diligently to address PFAS contamination in the Benton Harbor area and is committed to fulfilling its environmental responsibilities," Whitacre stated. However, critics argue that these efforts have been insufficient and that the company should have proactively addressed the issue years ago.

Representatives for 3M and DuPont have yet to issue a comprehensive response to the lawsuit. However, both companies face increasing scrutiny over their roles in the widespread PFAS contamination across the United States. 3M, in particular, has been a major producer of PFAS chemicals for decades, and its products have been used in a vast array of consumer and industrial applications.

This case mirrors similar lawsuits filed in communities across the country grappling with PFAS contamination. In recent years, settlements and judgments have been reached in cases involving fire-fighting foam manufacturers and chemical plants, signaling a growing legal precedent for holding PFAS polluters accountable. Experts predict that the Benton Harbor case will likely contribute to this trend, potentially leading to further litigation and increased regulation of PFAS chemicals.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently proposed stricter regulations on PFAS levels in drinking water, a move welcomed by environmental advocates and communities like Benton Harbor. However, the implementation of these regulations and the long-term cleanup of contaminated sites remain significant challenges. The long-term health impacts of PFAS exposure are still being studied, adding to the complexity of addressing this widespread environmental problem. The Benton Harbor lawsuit underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions, including increased funding for research, stricter regulations on chemical manufacturers, and robust remediation efforts to protect public health and the environment.