3M sued for record $1.4 billion by Australia over “forever chemicals” at defense bases

Australia is taking legal action against U.S. conglomerate 3M for over 2 billion Australian dollars ($1.4 billion) in damages due to contamination from firefighting foam at defense bases. This contamination is caused by per- and polyfluoroaklyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, which are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment.

PFAS have been used since the 1950s in various products for their heat, stain, grease, and water-resistant properties. The firefighting foam containing PFAS was particularly effective against fuel fires. However, these chemicals are now being restricted globally due to their adverse health effects.

The Australian Defense Department has taken measures to address the contamination at 28 bases, with the Richmond Air Base near Sydney being a focal point. Residents were warned to limit their consumption of locally produced fish and eggs due to PFAS found in nearby groundwater.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland accused 3M of withholding crucial information about the environmental risks posed by the foam. The Australian government is seeking compensation to cover past and future expenses related to investigating and managing the contamination resulting from the historic use of this foam. Assistant Defense Minister Peter Khalil revealed that the department has already spent AU$1.3 billion on managing and mitigating the environmental impacts of PFAS.

“This is the most significant legal action undertaken by Commonwealth and Defense in living memory,” Khalil stated. “We are taking on 3M on behalf of the Australian people and those affected by the contamination.”

3M has responded by stating that they stopped selling PFAS-containing products in Australia two decades ago and have never manufactured PFAS in the country. Despite this, the Australian Defense Department continued to use the foam for an extended period.

The lawsuit filed in the Federal Court of Australia against 3M and its subsidiary 3M Australia marks a significant step in holding corporations accountable for environmental contamination. The Australian government’s efforts to address the impact of PFAS contamination reflect a growing global awareness of the need to regulate harmful chemicals and protect public health and the environment.