Australia sues U.S. manufacturer 3M for $1.4 billion over 'forever chemicals' contamination

Australia has launched legal action against U.S. chemicals giant 3M, seeking more than $1.4 billion over contamination linked to firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals, widely known as “forever chemicals”.

The federal government said the lawsuit, filed against 3M and its Australian subsidiary, is the largest claim ever brought by the country. Officials argue the contamination has caused lasting environmental, financial and social harm.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland described the case as a major step for the government.

“Make no mistake, this legal action against 3M is significant,” she told reporters on Thursday.

“The Commonwealth is seeking more than $1.4 billion in damages to recover significant past and future expenses incurred in investigating and managing contamination resulting from the historical storage and use of this foam.”

Claims over safety assurances

PFAS chemicals were used for decades in firefighting foams because they resist heat and water. Australia’s Defence Department used the products at 28 military sites across the country.

The government claims 3M assured authorities the foam was safe to dispose of, biodegradable and non-toxic. However, officials allege the company failed to disclose its own testing, which pointed to serious environmental risks.

3M rejected the allegations and said it would defend itself in court.

In a statement, the company said it had never produced PFAS in Australia and had stopped selling the products there around 20 years ago.

“Despite this, the Department of Defence continued to use PFAS-containing firefighting foams for nearly two decades longer,” the company said.

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Growing concerns over 'forever chemicals'

PFAS chemicals do not break down naturally, which is why they are often referred to as “forever chemicals”. Scientists and health experts have raised concerns over their build-up in soil, waterways and the human body.

Studies have linked exposure to PFAS to several health problems, including liver damage, lower birth weights and certain cancers.

Assistant Defence Minister Peter Khalil said the government had already spent around $924 million responding to the contamination. That figure includes $290 million paid in settlements to communities affected by pollution near defence sites.

Authorities have also removed or treated more than 200,000 tonnes of contaminated soil and cleaned more than 13 billion litres of water.

Largest legal action in decades

“This is the most significant legal action undertaken by Commonwealth and Defence in living memory,” Khalil said.

“To put it plainly, we are taking on 3M on behalf of the Australian people and the Australians that are affected.”

The lawsuit adds to mounting legal pressure on 3M over PFAS pollution around the world. In 2023, the company agreed to pay at least $10.3 billion to settle claims from U.S. public water systems over contaminated drinking water.

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