Australia sues 3M for $1.4 billion over PFAS 'forever chemicals' contamination

The Australian government said on Thursday it had launched legal action against 3M over contamination from firefighting foam supplied by the U.S. company that contained PFAS, or "forever chemicals", seeking more than A$2 billion ($1.43 billion) in damages.



The claim against the Minnesota-based chemicals maker and its local unit is the largest ever brought by Australia, reflecting the past and future environmental, economic and cultural costs of the contamination, the government said.



"Make no mistake, this legal action against 3M is significant," Attorney-General Michelle Rowland told reporters.



"The Commonwealth is seeking more than A$2 billion in damages to recover significant past and future expenses incurred in investigating and managing contamination resulting from the historical storage and use of this foam."



The government, which used the firefighting foam at 28 defence bases across the country, alleged 3M gave assurances the substance was safe to dispose of, biodegradable and non-toxic.



But 3M withheld its own testing showing "significant adverse environmental effects" associated with its use, Rowland alleged.



3M said in a statement it would defend itself against the claims in court.



"3M has never manufactured PFAS in Australia and ceased sales of the products at issue in Australia around two decades ago," the statement said.