Australia Sues US Manufacturer 3M for £1.1 Billion Over 'Forever Chemicals' Contamination
The Australian government has launched its largest-ever legal claim, suing US manufacturing conglomerate 3M for AU$2bn (£1.1 billion) over alleged widespread contamination of defence bases. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland announced the action, targeting 3M for the presence of per- and poly-fluoroaklyl substances (PFAS), commonly termed 'forever chemicals', in firefighting foams.
The lawsuit contends that 3M withheld and misrepresented crucial information regarding its aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and its environmental ramifications, despite knowing the risks. The Australian government has already expended over AU$1 billion investigating, remediating, and mitigating PFAS contamination at 28 defence sites.
3M has stated it ceased selling PFAS-containing foam in Australia two decades prior and never manufactured the chemicals within the country. A company spokesperson confirmed they would “defend ourselves against these claims through the legal process,” further noting that the Department of Defence continued using the foam for 20 years after 3M's sales in Australia concluded. PFAS, known for their persistent nature, do not degrade under normal environmental conditions and have been linked to various health concerns, including cancer. 3M globally announced in 2022 that it would discontinue the manufacturing and use of PFAS.
