Australia sues 3M for record-breaking sum over Pfas ‘forever chemicals’ in firefighting foam

The Australian government said on Thursday it had launched legal action against the multinational manufacturer 3M over Pfas chemical contamination at defence bases, seeking damages of more than $2bn (US$1.4bn). The attorney general, Michelle Rowland, said the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as “forever chemicals”, in firefighting foam had caused major environmental and economic harm, resulting in the largest legal claim ever brought by the federal government. Pfas products are no longer used in Australia, due to long-running concerns about environmental contamination and health risks. The chemicals are widely used in manufacturing of products resistant to heat, stains, grease and water. But they do not break down naturally like other products, and sites where they have been used require expensive remediation. Sign up for the Breaking News Australia email Health risks related to Pfas use include liver damage, lower birth weight and testicular cancer. “This is a government that is prepared to take on one of the biggest multinational corporations in the world for the betterment of Australian citizens,” Rowland said. …