Australia sues firm for billions over forever chemicals
Australia has filed an extraordinary multibillion-dollar lawsuit over widespread contamination of defense installations with “forever chemicals”.
The federal government is suing manufacturer 3M for more than $2 billion to recover costs from per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in firefighting foams at 28 defense bases across the country.
The claim, filed in Federal Court, alleges that 3M withheld a range of information and misrepresented the effects of its aqueous film-forming foam, including environmental risks.
“This is the largest legal claim ever brought by the Commonwealth,” Attorney General Michelle Rowland told reporters Thursday.
The money recovered will be used to cover past and future expenses incurred in investigating and managing pollution resulting from the historical storage and use of the foam.
Investigating, remediating and mitigating PFAS contamination at defense installations has already cost Australian taxpayers more than $1 billion.
“Make no mistake, this legal action against 3M is significant,” Ms. Rowland said.
“This is commensurate with a government committed to fighting for Australians and their long-term interests.”
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of 15,000 toxic, synthetic chemicals used for their resistance to heat, stains, and oil.
PFAS are widely used in products such as cookware and firefighting foams due to their oil and water repellency and temperature resistance.
While the science on the chemicals is evolving, the federal health department says they are associated with low birth weight and changing hormone levels in babies.
Specific chemicals, such as PFOA and PFOS, are linked to an increased risk of testicular and kidney cancer.
In 2018, the Department of Defense warned locals near Richmond Air Force Base to reduce their intake of local fish and eggs after PFAS were found in nearby groundwater.
A Senate investigation in November recommended legal action against 3M and said any settlement must include funding for remediation of contaminated sites.
In its submission to the inquiry, 3M said it was an industry leader in helping regulate PFAS and that they were experts in removing the chemicals.
AAP has attempted to contact the company for comment.
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