Australia's government launched a A$2 billion lawsuit against 3M, targeting the chemical manufacturer over contamination from firefighting foam at military and defence installations across the country. The case marks the largest action ever brought by the Australian government against a foreign corporation.
The lawsuit centers on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as "forever chemicals," which persist in the environment indefinitely and accumulate in human tissue. 3M supplied aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) to Australian Defence Force bases and other government facilities for decades. These foams contained PFOA and PFOS compounds that seeped into soil and groundwater, contaminating drinking water sources and raising serious health concerns for military personnel and surrounding communities.
Australia argues that 3M knew about the dangers of these chemicals but failed to warn authorities or disclose the risks. The company faces similar litigation globally. The US Department of Defense has phased out AFFF use, and multiple countries have restricted or banned PFOA and PFOS in consumer products and industrial applications.
The contamination represents one of Australia's most pressing environmental health crises. Testing at several defence sites revealed PFOA and PFOS concentrations far exceeding safe drinking water standards. Residents near affected bases reported health issues, fueling public pressure on the government to pursue accountability.
3M faces mounting legal exposure. The company settled a major US case in 2023 for roughly US$850 million, though it denied wrongdoing. European regulators have opened investigations. Australia's A$2 billion claim reflects the scale of remediation costs and potential health damages the government estimates.
This lawsuit signals that governments worldwide increasingly view chemical manufacturers as liable for environmental contamination, even decades after product use. Australia's action positions it among the most aggressive regulators tackling forever chemicals.