Australia sues 3M for $1.4B over ‘forever chemicals’ at defense bases

Australia has sued 3M over contamination from firefighting foam that contained PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” seeking $1.4 billion in damages.

SYDNEY — The Australian government said Thursday that it had launched legal action against 3M over contamination from firefighting foam supplied by the U.S. company that contained PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” seeking more than 2 billion Australian dollars ($1.43 billion) in damages.

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The claim against the Minnesota-based chemicals maker and its local unit is the largest ever brought by Australia, reflecting the past and future environmental, economic and cultural costs of the contamination, the government said.

“Make no mistake, this legal action against 3M is significant,” Attorney General Michelle Rowland told reporters.