Australia files $1.4 billion lawsuit against US company 3M over 'forever chemicals'
Kyiv • UNN
Australia is demanding $1.43 billion from 3M for environmental pollution caused by forever chemicals. The company is accused of concealing data regarding the harmful effects of PFAS substances.
The Australian government said on Thursday it has launched legal proceedings against 3M (MMM.N) over contamination caused by firefighting foam supplied by the U.S. company that contained PFAS — so-called "forever chemicals." Australia is seeking more than 2 billion Australian dollars ($1.43 billion USD) in compensation. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN.
Details
The lawsuit against the Minnesota-based chemical giant and its local subsidiary is the largest in Australian history. The government states it reflects past and future environmental, economic, and cultural costs associated with the contamination.
Make no mistake, this legal action against 3M is significant
"The Commonwealth is seeking more than 2 billion Australian dollars in damages to cover significant past and future costs associated with investigating and remediating contamination caused by the historical storage and use of this foam."
The government, which used the foam at 28 military bases across the country, claims that 3M provided assurances regarding the safety of its disposal, its biodegradability, and its non-toxicity.
At the same time, according to Rowland, the company concealed its own research showing "significant negative environmental impacts" from the use of the substance.
3M said in a statement that it would defend itself in court.
3M never manufactured PFAS in Australia and stopped selling the relevant products in the country approximately two decades ago
"Despite this, the Department of Defence continued to use PFAS-containing firefighting foam for nearly two decades thereafter."
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals widely used in products resistant to heat, stains, grease, and water.
They are known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in nature, raising concerns about their accumulation in ecosystems, drinking water, and the human body.
Studies link PFAS exposure to health problems, including liver damage, low birth weight, and testicular cancer.
Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil stated that the department has spent 1.3 billion Australian dollars on remediation efforts, including the payment of 408 million dollars as part of legal settlements with affected communities.
Additionally, more than 200,000 tons of contaminated soil have been cleaned or removed, and over 13 billion liters of water have been treated.
"This is the most significant legal action ever taken by the Commonwealth Government and the Department of Defence," Khalil said.
"Simply put, we are standing up to 3M on behalf of the Australians who have been affected."
3M has already faced thousands of lawsuits over PFAS contamination. In 2023, the company agreed to a $10.3 billion USD settlement with U.S. public water systems regarding similar claims.