Australia has launched a historic AU$2 billion (US$1.4 billion) lawsuit against US manufacturing giant 3M, alleging the company knowingly sold firefighting foam containing toxic "forever chemicals" that contaminated dozens of defense sites across the country.
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland announced the legal action on Thursday, calling it the largest claim ever brought by the Australian government. The suit seeks to recover cleanup costs at 28 military locations, which have already exceeded AU$1 billion.
"This misconduct has contributed to substantial costs for defense and the Australian taxpayer," Rowland said. "Make no mistake, this legal action against 3M is significant."
The government alleges that 3M withheld and misrepresented information about the environmental impact of its aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which contains per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are known for their water-resistant properties and are used in products ranging from non-stick pans to mobile phones. They do not break down in the environment and have been linked to health issues including cancer.
3M responded by stating it has never manufactured PFAS in Australia and stopped selling the foam there two decades ago. The company said it would "defend ourselves against these claims through the legal process." It also noted that the Department of Defence continued using PFAS-containing foams for 20 years after 3M ceased sales.
"The Australian government is committed to holding 3M and 3M Australia to account for the economic and environmental harms associated with PFAS contamination," Rowland added.
In 2022, 3M announced plans to stop making and using PFAS altogether amid growing health concerns.