Australia sues 3M for record-breaking sum over Pfas ‘forever chemicals’ in firefighting foam
The Australian government has launched a $2 billion lawsuit against 3M, alleging that the company's firefighting foam containing 'forever chemicals' caused significant environmental and economic damage. This legal action marks the largest claim ever filed by the federal government.
Why it matters
It represents a major escalation in global efforts to hold manufacturers accountable for the long-term environmental and health impacts of PFAS contamination.
Federal government seeks more than $2bn in damages from multinational manufacturer in its largest legal claim ever The Australian government said on Thursday it had launched legal action against multinational manufacturer 3M over Pfas chemical contamination at defence bases, seeking damages of more than $2bn (US$1.4bn). Attorney general Michelle Rowland said the use of per- and poly-fluoroaklyl 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. Continue reading...
The Guardian often focuses on corporate accountability regarding environmental issues, though the reporting remains factual regarding the legal claim.
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