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New Jersey has become a central battleground in the fight against PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination, with its history as a hub for chemical manufacturing contributing to the widespread environmental and health challenges the state now faces. In recent years, New Jersey has gained national attention due to the persistence of these “forever chemicals” in the environment, which are notorious for their resistance to degradation and the severe health risks they pose. The state’s long-standing struggle with PFAS contamination has raised concerns about public health, environmental justice, and the role of chemical manufacturers in the crisis.

New Jersey’s Role in the National PFAS Crisis

In September 2025, a candid interview highlighted New Jersey’s unfortunate distinction as the “PFAS toilet for the country,” underscoring the extent of the contamination across the state. The chemicals have been linked to numerous public health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and developmental effects. A significant portion of the state’s contamination comes from decades of industrial activities, with major chemical companies responsible for the widespread pollution. As New Jersey grapples with the fallout, the state continues to push for accountability and action from the manufacturers that caused the damage.

Major Settlements Signal Accountability for Polluters

In an effort to address the devastating effects of PFAS pollution, New Jersey has secured several key environmental settlements with some of the world’s most powerful chemical manufacturers. In August 2025, the state reached a landmark $2 billion settlement with DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva. This agreement was the result of lawsuits over pollution at four former manufacturing sites and other environmental violations related to PFAS contamination.

Earlier, in May 2025, the state also reached a separate settlement with chemical giant 3M. The $450 million agreement was designed to resolve PFAS contamination claims linked to the company’s role in producing and distributing these toxic chemicals. The settlement funds will be allocated for critical cleanup efforts, including the removal of contaminated soil, treatment of polluted drinking water, and the restoration of natural resources that have been damaged by decades of industrial activity.

These settlements represent a significant step toward addressing the state’s ongoing environmental crisis, with the funds earmarked for long-term remediation. However, critics argue that more must be done to ensure that the companies responsible for the contamination fully compensate for the environmental damage they’ve caused.

Environmental Justice: Communities of Color and Low-Income Areas Bear the Brunt

While New Jersey works to hold chemical companies accountable, there is also growing concern over the disproportionate impact that PFAS contamination has had on the state’s low-income and minority communities. A study by Northeastern University, published in April 2024, revealed that public water systems serving these vulnerable populations are significantly more likely to contain detectable levels of PFAS.

The study linked data from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)’s PFAS monitoring program to census information, revealing that a larger number of people of color are served by contaminated water systems. This stark reality underscores the importance of addressing environmental justice in the state’s approach to tackling PFAS pollution. Residents of these communities are often left with few options, relying on water systems that have been shown to be harmful to their health.

As New Jersey continues its cleanup efforts, advocates argue that there is an urgent need to ensure that these disproportionately affected communities receive equitable treatment and that their voices are central in policy decisions. Efforts to improve drinking water quality, strengthen monitoring programs, and hold industries accountable are essential steps in protecting the state’s most vulnerable residents.

Casino Air Quality and Secondhand Smoke: A Health Crisis in Atlantic City

While PFAS contamination is a pressing environmental issue, New Jersey also faces significant challenges in managing air quality and public health risks in its iconic Atlantic City casinos. In September 2025, a NJ Advance Media investigation revealed that all nine of Atlantic City’s casinos have levels of fine particulate matter that far exceed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety thresholds.

These elevated levels of particulate matter are primarily the result of secondhand smoke, which continues to permeate casino spaces despite the existence of non-smoking areas. While smoking is still allowed in designated sections of casinos, the airborne toxins spill into non-smoking zones, exposing workers and patrons alike to harmful substances.

Experts warn that fine particulate matter can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and an increased risk of cancer. Workers, who are exposed to the toxic air on a daily basis, face heightened health risks, while patrons—especially those with pre-existing conditions—are also at risk.

Advocacy groups continue to push for a complete ban on indoor smoking in casinos, citing the ineffectiveness of existing ventilation systems in protecting against secondhand smoke. As New Jersey looks to safeguard its tourism industry while protecting public health, the issue of air quality in casinos remains a key point of contention.

Flooding and Resilient Rules: A Controversial Shift

Alongside concerns over environmental contamination and public health, New Jersey has also been working to address the growing threat of climate change, particularly sea-level rise and flood risks. In response, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) introduced the “Resilient Environments and Landscapes” (REAL) rules in 2025. These rules aim to strengthen the state’s resilience to flooding and extreme weather events by requiring new buildings in flood-prone areas to be elevated above predicted flood levels.

However, the proposed flood rules have sparked significant controversy. Business leaders argue that the new building elevation requirements could raise construction costs, potentially driving both residents and businesses out of the state. On the other hand, environmentalists claim that the rules do not go far enough in protecting vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change. They argue that political pressure from developers may have influenced the weakening of key protections in the final regulations.

One of the most contentious aspects of the REAL rules is the exemption for certain affordable housing projects. Environmental groups have raised alarms over proposals that would allow such developments to be built in flood-prone areas, arguing that it puts vulnerable populations at greater risk. As New Jersey continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, finding the right balance between development, environmental protection, and public safety remains a critical challenge.

Looking Toward the Future

As New Jersey continues to face the complex intersection of PFAS contamination, climate change, public health risks, and environmental justice, it’s clear that the state’s future hinges on how effectively it can balance economic development with the need for stronger environmental protections. With large-scale settlements from major chemical companies and ongoing debates over air quality and flood regulations, the state is at a crossroads.

Moving forward, New Jersey must remain steadfast in its commitment to both environmental sustainability and social equity. Ensuring that the state’s most vulnerable communities are not left behind in the fight against pollution and climate change is critical to securing a healthier, more sustainable future for all. The state’s next steps will undoubtedly shape the future of environmental policy, both in New Jersey and across the nation.

For more insights into the state’s ongoing efforts to address environmental issues, check out our Humane State section, where we continue to cover important developments in environmental policy, public health, and community advocacy.