Federal government sues 3M for $2b over ‘forever chemicals’ hazard
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The news: The federal government is suing US manufacturing giant 3M for more than $2 billion in damages over the contamination of 28 defence bases across Australia with per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The context: The government alleges that 3M withheld critical information and misrepresented the environmental risks of its aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), including what it knew about the environmental risks of AFFF.
According to the claim, the manufacturer failed to disclose internal data regarding the persistent nature of the chemicals while providing assurances about disposal safety that contradicted its own findings at the time.
The government seeks to recover the significant taxpayer-funded costs incurred from investigating, managing and remediating contamination directly linked to 3M’s AFFF containing PFAS.
PFAS, widely known as “forever chemicals” due to their water-resistant and non-stick properties, do not break down under normal environmental conditions. These toxins accumulate in dangerous concentrations across water, soil, food and can also linger indefinitely in the human body.
What they said: “I have visited communities right across Australia that have been affected by PFAS contamination, and they need action. That’s why the Commonwealth commenced this legal action today,” said Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil.
“Defence has spent over $1.3 billion on its PFAS response, and continues to work closely with state and local authorities to support local communities near bases affected by PFAS, and that work will continue.”
The source: Peter Khalil media release
