The Australian government has launched a landmark legal action against U.S. industrial conglomerate 3M, seeking more than A$2 billion (approximately US$1.43 billion) in damages. The lawsuit alleges that 3M concealed information regarding the harmful effects of "forever chemicals," known as PFAS, found in firefighting foam used at 28 defense bases across Australia. This legal challenge represents the largest ever brought by the Australian government, reflecting significant environmental, economic, and cultural costs.
The claim, filed in the Federal Court of Australia, asserts that 3M misrepresented the safety of its aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) products, which contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). According to Attorney-General Michelle Rowland, 3M withheld its own testing that showed "significant adverse environmental effects" associated with the foam's use, despite providing assurances that the substance was safe for disposal, biodegradable, and non-toxic. The New York Times reported on this development, stating, "Australia is suing 3M for $1.4 billion, alleging the U.S. company hid information about the effects of 'forever chemicals' at military bases."
Assistant Defence Minister Peter Khalil highlighted the extensive efforts already undertaken to mitigate the contamination, noting that the department has spent A$1.3 billion on managing the impacts. This includes A$408 million in legal settlements to affected communities, the removal and treatment of over 200,000 metric tons of contaminated soil, and the treatment of more than 13 billion liters of water. Khalil emphasized the significance of the action, stating, "To put it plainly, we are taking on 3M on behalf of the Australian people and the Australians that are affected."
In response, 3M has stated it will vigorously defend itself against the claims in court. The company asserted that it "has never manufactured PFAS in Australia and ceased sales of the products at issue in Australia around two decades ago." 3M further noted that the Australian Department of Defence continued to use PFAS-containing firefighting foams for nearly two decades longer after the company ceased sales.
PFAS are widely known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and human body, linked to various health issues including liver damage and certain cancers. This lawsuit follows a broader pattern of legal challenges against 3M regarding PFAS contamination, including a $10.3 billion settlement reached in 2023 with U.S. public water systems to resolve water pollution claims.
