LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source)- Kent County residents who live in the areas contaminated by PFAS caused by Wolverine Worldwide will share $54 million dollars. A Grand Rapids judge approved the settlement Thursday between the company and approximately 1700 residents. The money will be based on a points system determined by levels of PFAS in home water sources and other factors. Wolverine Worldwide was sued along with 3M in a 2017 class-action lawsuit.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are long-lasting chemicals that do not easily break down in the environment, lingering for extended periods of time in the water or soil. Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS may cause harmful health problems in animals and humans, if they are exposed.