Australia sues 3M for record-breaking sum over Pfas ‘forever chemicals’ in firefighting foam

The Australian government has initiated its largest-ever legal claim, suing multinational manufacturer 3M for over $2 billion in damages. The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, concerns PFAS chemical contamination at defense bases across Australia, stemming from the use of firefighting foam containing "forever chemicals." The government alleges 3M engaged in misconduct, including withholding and misrepresenting information about the environmental risks associated with these chemicals. This action aims to recover significant costs incurred by the defense department for investigating and remediating PFAS contamination at 28 affected bases. 3M stated it will defend itself against the claims and noted that PFAS-containing foams were used by the Department of Defence for nearly two decades after the company stopped sales.

Australia is suing US manufacturing giant 3M for AU$2 billion in damages over alleged contamination at defence sites caused by "forever chemicals" in firefighting foam. The Australian government claims 3M withheld and misrepresented information about the foam's safety and environmental impact, despite knowing the risks. This lawsuit is the largest legal claim ever brought by the Australian government, seeking to recover substantial costs associated with investigating and remediating PFAS contamination at 28 defence locations. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland stated the government is committed to holding 3M accountable for the economic and environmental harms. 3M responded by stating they have never manufactured PFAS in Australia and ceased selling the foam there two decades ago.