The Australian government has initiated a significant legal action against the American company 3M, seeking over $1.4 billion in damages. This lawsuit addresses the contamination caused by PFAS chemicals found in firefighting foam supplied by 3M, which was used at 28 defense bases across Australia.

Background of the Case

PFAS, often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ due to their persistence in the environment, have been linked to various health issues, including liver damage and cancer. The Australian government alleges that 3M assured them of the safety and biodegradability of these chemicals, despite having internal testing that indicated significant environmental risks.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland emphasized the importance of this legal action, stating, “Make no mistake, this legal action against 3M is significant.” The government aims to recover costs associated with investigating and managing the contamination.

3M’s Response

3M has stated it will defend itself in court, asserting that it has never manufactured PFAS in Australia and ceased sales of the products in question around two decades ago. The company also pointed out that the Department of Defence continued using PFAS-containing foams long after 3M stopped selling them.

Impact and Costs

Assistant Defence Minister Peter Khalil highlighted the extensive efforts and costs incurred by the Department of Defence in addressing the contamination. This includes spending approximately $1.3 billion on mitigation efforts, such as legal settlements and the treatment of contaminated soil and water.

This lawsuit is part of a broader trend, as 3M has faced numerous lawsuits globally over PFAS contamination. In 2023, the company reached a $10.3 billion settlement with several U.S. public water systems to resolve similar claims.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.