Australia sues 3M over PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals,’ contamination
"The commonwealth is seeking more than A$2 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," she added.
Australia has launched what it describes as a landmark AU$2 billion (€1.2 billion) lawsuit against US consumer products giant 3M, alleging contamination at military bases where firefighting foam containing so-called “forever chemicals” was used.
The case against the Minnesota-based chemicals company and its Australian subsidiary is the biggest legal claim the country has ever filed, according to the government, underscoring the environmental, economic and cultural damage already caused — and the costs still expected to come.
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“Make no mistake, this legal action against 3M is significant,” Attorney General Michelle Rowland told reporters.
“The commonwealth is seeking more than A$2 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,” she added.
Rowland alleged that 3M failed to disclose its own testing, which she said showed “significant adverse environmental effects” tied to the product’s use.
Persistent worries remain over PFAS building up in ecosystems
In a statement, 3M said it would fight the allegations in court.
“3M has never manufactured PFAS in Australia and ceased sales of the products at issue in Australia around two decades ago,” the statement said.
“Despite this, the Department of Defence continued to use PFAS-containing firefighting foams for nearly two decades longer,” it added.
PFAS are a large class of manufactured chemicals commonly found in products designed to resist heat, stains, grease and water.
Often referred to as “forever chemicals”, they do not naturally breakdown in the environment, fueling concern about their build-up in ecosystems, drinking water and the human body.
Research has linked exposure to PFAS to a range of health problems, including liver damage, lower birth weight and testicular cancer.
Assistant Defence Minister Peter Khalil said the department has already spent A$1.3 billion responding to the fallout from the contamination, including A$408 million in legal settlements for affected communities.
It has also treated or removed more than 200,000 metric tonnes of contaminated soil and processed more than 13 billion litres of water.
“This is the most significant legal action undertaken by commonwealth and defence in living memory,” Mr Khalil said.
“To put it plainly, we are taking on 3M on behalf of the Australian people and the Australians that are affected,” he added.
3M has been hit with thousands of lawsuits linked to PFAS contamination.
In 2023, the company agreed to a $10.3 billion settlement with numerous US public water systems to resolve claims over water pollution.
