Government Launches Largest Ever Legal Claim Against 3M
The Australian government has initiated legal proceedings against US manufacturing conglomerate 3M, seeking AU$2 billion (approximately US$1.4 billion or £1.1 billion) in damages. The lawsuit centers on allegations of the company’s use of toxic “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS, in firefighting foam. These chemicals are reported to have contaminated numerous defence bases across Australia.
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland announced that this represents the largest legal claim ever filed by the government. The primary objective is to recover the significant expenses incurred in managing the PFAS contamination at 28 defense sites. The government alleges that 3M deliberately withheld and misrepresented crucial information regarding the foam and its environmental consequences, assuring stakeholders of its safety despite possessing contrary knowledge.
3M’s Response and Government’s Allegations
In its defense, 3M stated that it has never manufactured PFAS within Australia and ceased selling the specific firefighting foam in the country two decades ago. However, Attorney-General Rowland emphasized the government’s commitment to holding both 3M and its Australian subsidiary accountable for the economic and environmental damage stemming from PFAS contamination. She highlighted that this alleged misconduct has already resulted in substantial costs for the Australian Department of Defence and taxpayers, exceeding AU$1 billion to date for investigation, remediation, and mitigation efforts at defence estate sites.
Australia’s legal case specifically alleges that 3M failed to disclose the full extent of its knowledge concerning the environmental risks associated with its aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Furthermore, the government claims that 3M provided assurances about the foam’s disposal and environmental safety that were inconsistent with the company’s internal understanding at the time. The government asserts that this failure to disclose has contributed to the considerable costs associated with addressing the contamination.
PFAS chemicals, known for their water-resistant and non-stick properties, are commonly found in products such as firefighting foams, electronics, clothing, and cookware. These substances are persistent in the environment, resisting natural breakdown processes. Research indicates that PFAS can accumulate in dangerous concentrations in water, soil, and food, and can also remain in the human body.
In 2022, 3M announced its intention to phase out the production and use of PFAS, citing concerns about potential links to various health issues, including cancer. Despite 3M ceasing sales of the foam 20 years ago, the company noted that the Department of Defence continued to use PFAS-containing firefighting foams for an additional two decades. A spokesperson for 3M stated that the company intends to defend itself vigorously against these claims through the legal process.
