Arabic version: أستراليا تقاضي شركة 3M بمبلغ 2 مليار دولار بسبب تلوث PFAS

Australia is suing US manufacturing giant 3M for AU$2 billion (US$1.4 billion; £1.1 billion) in damages due to the alleged use of toxic “forever chemicals” in firefighting foam that contaminated dozens of defence bases across the country. This lawsuit marks the largest legal claim ever initiated by the Australian government, as it seeks to recover substantial costs associated with addressing the contamination at 28 locations. According to BBC News, Attorney-General Michelle Rowland stated that 3M misrepresented details about the foam’s safety and environmental impact, despite knowing it was harmful.

In response to the lawsuit, 3M asserted that it has never manufactured PFAS in Australia and ceased selling the foam there 20 years ago. The legal action was announced on Thursday, with Rowland emphasizing the government’s commitment to holding both 3M and 3M Australia accountable for the economic and environmental harms associated with PFAS contamination.

The Australian government claims that the misconduct has resulted in substantial costs for the defence sector and taxpayers, with over AU$1 billion spent to date on investigations, remediation, and mitigation of PFAS contamination at defence estate sites. PFAS, known for their water-resistant and non-stick properties, are found in various products, including firefighting foams, and do not break down in the environment.

3M’s spokesperson indicated that the company would defend itself against these allegations through the legal process. The lawsuit highlights concerns regarding the long-term health risks associated with PFAS, which have been linked to various health issues, including cancer. The Department of Defence reportedly continued using PFAS-containing firefighting foams for two decades after 3M stopped selling the product in Australia.