Australia sues 3M for $1.4 billion over 'forever chemicals' pollution

The Australian government has filed a $1.4 billion compensation lawsuit against U.S.-based chemical giant 3M over environmental contamination caused by perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), which are used in fire-suppression foams and known as 'forever chemicals.' According to Anadolu Agency, the lawsuit covers PFAS contamination detected in soil and water sources surrounding military bases and airports. PFAS compounds break down extremely slowly in nature, which is why they are also referred to as 'persistent chemicals,' and they are linked to serious health problems, including cancer. 3M previously faced similar PFAS lawsuits in the United States and accepted a global settlement of approximately $10.3 billion in 2023. This new lawsuit filed by Australia increases the company's legal risks and brings the PFAS issue back into focus as an international problem.