Australia's government has launched a £2bn lawsuit against US multinational 3M over alleged contamination caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foam at dozens of defence sites. The case, which is set to be heard in court in the coming months, centres on claims that 3M's PFAS-containing foam contaminated soil and water at the sites, posing health risks to nearby communities and the environment.
The contamination is believed to have occurred at defence sites across Australia, including military bases and air force facilities. 3M has been supplying the PFAS-containing foam to the Australian Defence Force for decades, and the company has previously acknowledged that its products contained the toxic substances. However, the company has maintained that it has taken steps to phase out the use of PFAS in its products and has offered to help clean up contamination at the affected sites.
The Australian government has accused 3M of knowing about the risks associated with PFAS for decades but failing to inform the public or take adequate steps to mitigate the contamination. The lawsuit is seen as a significant development in the global effort to address the impact of PFAS on human health and the environment. PFAS have been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, thyroid disease, and reproductive issues, and many countries are now taking steps to phase out their use.
3M has faced similar lawsuits in the US and Europe over PFAS contamination, but the Australian case is one of the largest and most high-profile to date. The company's shares have fallen in recent weeks amid growing concerns about the financial implications of the lawsuit.