• Australia sues 3M for AU$2 billion over PFAS contamination at defense bases.
• The lawsuit is the largest legal claim ever brought by the Australian government.
• 3M is accused of withholding information on the safety of its firefighting foam.
• The Australian Defence Department has spent AU$1.3 billion managing PFAS contamination.
• PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," are linked to numerous health risks.

The Australian government has filed a lawsuit against U.S. manufacturing giant 3M, seeking over AU$2 billion (approximately US$1.4 billion) for environmental damages caused by firefighting foam containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at 28 defense bases across the country. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland emphasized the significance of this legal action, stating it is the largest ever brought by the government, aimed at recovering substantial past and future costs associated with PFAS contamination, including over AU$1 billion already spent on mitigation efforts, according to BBC and Reuters.

The Australian government alleges that 3M misrepresented and withheld information regarding the environmental impacts of PFAS, assuring the government of the foam's safety. "3M gave assurances about disposal and environmental safety that were inconsistent with what the company knew at the time," Rowland stated, reflecting on the serious allegations against the company concerning their firefighting foam products, according to Channel News Asia and CBS News.

Despite ceasing sales of PFAS-containing products in Australia two decades ago, 3M has faced criticism for allowing the Department of Defence to continue using these chemicals, which have been linked to serious health issues including cancer and liver damage. As of now, the Department of Defence has invested AU$1.3 billion in addressing the contamination, having removed over 200,000 tonnes of contaminated soil and treated more than 13 billion liters of affected water, according to Reuters and BBC.

This lawsuit highlights Australia's broader initiative to tackle PFAS contamination amid growing concerns about their accumulation in the environment and adverse health effects on local communities. The legal proceedings will take place in the Federal Court, marking a crucial chapter in the ongoing battle against PFAS-related issues, as the government aims to hold 3M accountable for its actions, according to Channel News Asia and CBS News.