3M Earplug Controversy
The Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2 (CAE v2), was developed by Aearo Technologies for U.S. military and civilian use. The CAE v2 was a double ended earplug that 3M claimed would offer users different levels of protection.[1] Between 2003 and 2015, these earplugs were standard issue to members of the U.S. military.[2] 3M acquired Aearo Technologies in 2008. [3]
In May 2016, Moldex-Metric, Inc., a 3M competitor, filed a whistleblower complaint against 3M under the False Claims Act. Moldex-Metric claimed that 3M made false claims to the U.S. government about the safety of its earplugs, and that it knew the earplugs had an inherently defective design.[4] In 2018, 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million to the U.S government to resolve the allegations, without admitting liability.[5]
Since 2018, more than 140,000 former users of the earplugs—primarily U.S. military veterans—have filed suit against 3M claiming they suffer from hearing loss, tinnitus, and other damage as a consequence of the defective design.[6]
References[edit]
- ↑ Hinds, Haley (2019-10-29). "Veterans sue 3M, claim faulty ear plugs caused hearing damage". FOX 13 News. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
- ↑ "Vets Tormented by Hearing Loss Face 3M in Earplug Mass Lawsuit". Bloomberg Government. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
- ↑ "3M to Acquire Aearo Technologies Inc., Global Leader in Personal Protection Equipment". 3M News | United States. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
- ↑ "Contractor settles for $9.1 million after providing defective earplugs for servicemembers". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
- ↑ "3M Company Agrees to Pay $9.1 Million to Resolve Allegations That it Supplied the United States With Defective Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs". www.justice.gov. 2018-07-26. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
- ↑ Robinson, Kevin. "Pensacola judge weighing lawsuit claiming 3M earplugs damaged veterans' hearing". Pensacola News Journal. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
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