Australia sues US giant 3M for $2bn over 'forever chemicals' at defence sites

Australia has launched a $2 billion lawsuit against US multinational 3M over contamination from PFAS chemicals found in firefighting foam used at dozens of defence sites. The case marks one of the largest environmental legal actions ever pursued by the Australian government. PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals', are synthetic compounds that persist in the environment and human body for years.

Australia has filed a landmark $2 billion lawsuit against US manufacturing giant 3M, targeting the company over widespread contamination caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — commonly known as 'forever chemicals' — found in firefighting foam used across dozens of Australian defence sites.

What Are 'Forever Chemicals'?

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that earned their nickname due to their extraordinary persistence; they do not break down naturally in the environment or in the human body. For decades, PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) was widely used at military and civilian airports and defence installations as a highly effective fire suppressant, particularly for fuel fires.

The Australian government's legal action centres on contamination at multiple defence sites across the country where this foam was historically deployed. Authorities allege that 3M, one of the primary manufacturers of PFAS-based firefighting foam, is liable for the extensive environmental damage and potential public health risks resulting from its use.

A Multibillion-Dollar Legal Battle

The $2 billion figure reflects the scale of remediation costs and damages the Australian government is seeking to recover. This action is among the most significant environmental lawsuits ever initiated by Australia against a foreign corporation. 3M has previously faced PFAS-related litigation in other countries, including a major settlement in the United States concerning drinking water contamination.

The case underscores growing global pressure on chemical manufacturers to account for the long-term consequences of products that were once considered safe and effective. Regulators and governments worldwide have increasingly turned to litigation as communities near military bases and airports report elevated PFAS levels in local water sources and in residents' bloodstreams.