The Australian government has initiated a landmark legal battle against manufacturing conglomerate 3M, seeking AU$2 billion (approximately US$1.4 billion) in damages. The lawsuit centers on the widespread contamination of 28 defense bases across the country, allegedly caused by the use of firefighting foams containing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.”

Officials allege that 3M misrepresented the safety profile of its aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and withheld critical information regarding the environmental risks associated with the product. According to the government, the company provided false assurances about the safety and disposal of these chemicals, leading to significant financial burdens for taxpayers. To date, over AU$1 billion has been spent on investigating and mitigating the environmental impact of these toxins at various defense sites.

PFAS are prized for their water-resistant and non-stick properties, but they are notoriously difficult to break down, allowing them to accumulate in soil, water supplies, and human bodies. While 3M announced in 2022 that it would cease the production and use of these substances due to links with serious health issues, including cancer, the Australian government maintains that the company’s past conduct warrants accountability for the resulting ecological and economic damage.

In its defense, 3M has stated that it never manufactured PFAS within Australia and ceased the sale of the foam in the region two decades ago. A company spokesperson indicated that 3M intends to contest the allegations through the legal system, noting that the Department of Defence continued to utilize the products long after the company had stopped supplying them.