Australia has launched a AU$2 billion (US$1.4 billion) lawsuit against U.S.-based conglomerate 3M, accusing the company of causing widespread contamination at 28 military defense bases through the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam, the Australian government announced on Thursday.
What happened
The lawsuit, filed in the Federal Court of Australia, argues that persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—commonly known as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to natural breakdown—were released at defense locations, resulting in significant environmental damage. These chemicals are known for their durability and have been increasingly restricted worldwide because of their adverse health and ecological effects.
3M and its Australian subsidiary are the defendants in the case. The company stated it never manufactured PFAS in Australia and discontinued sales of these firefighting foams there around two decades ago. However, Australia’s Department of Defense reportedly continued using PFAS-based foams for nearly 20 years after 3M ceased sales.
Australian officials said the contamination has led to costly cleanup efforts, including the removal of 200,000 metric tons of polluted soil and treatment of 13 billion liters of contaminated water at the affected sites. The Department of Defense has already spent AU$1.3 billion (US$920 million) addressing the contamination.
The government began issuing public health warnings in 2018, notably advising residents near Richmond Air Base outside Sydney to limit consumption of local fish and eggs after detecting PFAS in groundwater.
Why it matters
This lawsuit represents the largest environmental compensation claim in Australian history and signals growing governmental accountability demands on corporations linked to PFAS contamination globally. The case highlights the long-term health and environmental risks of these chemicals and the financial burdens governments face in managing their legacy.
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland accused 3M of withholding critical information about risks posed by the foam, underscoring broader concerns about corporate transparency regarding toxic substances.
Assistant Defense Minister Peter Khalil characterized the legal action as unprecedented in scope and emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting affected communities.
Background
PFAS chemicals have been used since the 1950s in various products for their heat-, stain-, grease-, and water-resistant properties. They were widely applied in firefighting foams, especially for fuel fires, including at military installations worldwide.
Growing scientific evidence about the persistence and potential health impacts of PFAS has led to increased regulatory restrictions internationally. Governments and agencies are now exploring remediation efforts and holding manufacturers accountable for environmental contamination.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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