3M sued for record $1.4 billion by Australia over “forever chemicals” at defense bases Australia is suing 3M for over AU$2 billion ($1.4 billion) due to “forever chemical” contamination from firefighting foam used at defense bases. The lawsuit, Australia’s largest ever compensation claim, alleges 3M withheld information about the risks posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 3M denies responsibility, stating they ceased sales of the products in Australia decades ago and the Australian Department of Defense continued to use them.

• Australia is suing 3M for over AU$2 billion ($1.4 billion) concerning “forever chemical” contamination at 28 defense bases.
• The contamination is from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down naturally.
• Australia alleges 3M withheld information about the environmental risks of the PFAS-containing firefighting foam.
• 3M states it stopped selling the products in Australia around two decades ago, while the Australian Department of Defense continued using them.
• The Australian Defense Department has already spent AU$1.3 billion ($920 million) on mitigation efforts, including removing contaminated earth and treating water.