Australia sues 3M over 'forever chemicals' contamination

Australia has launched a massive AU$2 billion legal action against US consumer goods giant 3M, accusing the company of contaminating military bases with "forever chemicals" found in firefighting foam. The lawsuit, the largest ever brought by Australia, seeks to recover costs associated with investigating and managing the environmental damage. Attorney General Michelle Rowland stated that the government used the foam at 28 defense bases and alleges 3M assured the substance was safe while withholding its own test results showing adverse environmental effects. The government claims 3M's "forever chemicals," known as PFAS, do not break down naturally and have been linked to serious health issues, including liver damage, lower birth weight, and testicular cancer. Assistant Defence Minister Peter Khalil highlighted that the department has already spent AU$1.3 billion on dealing with the contamination's impacts, including legal settlements and extensive soil and water treatment. 3M, however, stated it would defend itself, noting it ceased sales of the products in Australia around two decades ago and that the Department of Defence continued to use the foam for nearly two decades longer. The company has faced numerous lawsuits globally over PFAS contamination, including a significant settlement in the US in 2023.

“

Make no mistake, this legal action against 3M is significant.