Australia sues 3M for record $2bn sum over Pfas ‘forever chemicals’ in firefighting foam

Federal government seeks damages from multinational manufacturer over contamination at defence sites in its largest legal claim ever Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast The Australian government said on Thursday it had launched legal action against the multinational manufacturer 3M over Pfas chemical contamination at defence bases, seeking damages of more than $2bn (US$1.4bn). The attorney general, Michelle Rowland, said the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl 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. Three key Pfas chemicals were banned in Australia last year due to long-running concerns about environmental contamination and health risks. Pfas are found in a wide variety of household and industrial products. The more than 14,000 compounds are difficult to break down and persist in the environment for long periods. Health risks related to Pfas use include liver damage, lower birth weight and testicular cancer. “This is a government that is prepared to take