Australia sues 3M for A$2 billion over PFAS contamination

The Australian government has launched a landmark lawsuit against the multinational chemical company 3M, seeking more than A$2 billion in damages over widespread contamination from toxic firefighting foam used at military bases. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland announced the unprecedented legal action in the Federal Court on Thursday, calling it the largest claim ever brought by the Commonwealth.

The government alleges that 3M withheld critical environmental testing data and misrepresented the safety of its aqueous film-forming foam, which contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These synthetic chemicals, prized for their resistance to heat, stains, and water, are often called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down naturally in the environment. The foam was used for decades at 28 Defence bases across the country.

Rowland stated that the company assured the government the substance was safe to dispose of, biodegradable, and non-toxic, while allegedly concealing its own tests showing significant adverse environmental effects. The lawsuit aims to recover past and future costs incurred by the Department of Defence in investigating and managing the...