On 28/5, Australia announced it was suing 3M (stock code: MMM, listed on the New York Stock Exchange) for selling firefighting foam containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These are often called "forever chemicals" due to their persistent nature, posing "intergenerational" risks to humans, animals, and the environment.
The country also demanded 3M pay over 2 billion AUD (1.43 billion USD) in compensation. According to the Australian government, this is the largest lawsuit it has ever initiated.
3M is a 120-year-old multinational company, offering fire protection solutions. It also owns brands like 3M-Scotch-Brite scrubbing sponges, Scotch tape, Nexcare medical tape, and Post-it stationery.
Michelle Rowland, Australia's Attorney-General, stated that this legal action against 3M is important. "The compensation aims to cover the costs of investigating and managing the pollution that has occurred and will occur due to the storage and use of this firefighting foam", she said.
The Australian government used 3M's firefighting foam at 28 defense bases nationwide. The company had assured that the substance was safe to handle, biodegradable, and non-toxic. Ms. Rowland accused 3M of concealing its own tests, despite the company discovering "significant adverse environmental impacts" related to PFAS use.
Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil stated that the Department has spent 1.3 billion AUD to address PFAS contamination, including paying 408 million AUD in compensation to affected communities. They have also treated over 200,000 tons of soil and 13 billion liters of contaminated water. "We are suing 3M on behalf of the Australian people", he said.
3M rejected the accusations, stating that it "never manufactured PFAS in Australia" and stopped selling the products in the country two decades ago.
The company has faced thousands of lawsuits related to PFAS contamination. In 2023, it reached a 10.3 billion USD settlement with various US public water systems to resolve claims of water contamination from these chemicals.
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3M displayed on a screen at the New York Stock Exchange, US, on 29/11/2022. Photo: Reuters |
Manufacturers widely produce and use PFAS due to their heat, stain, grease, and water resistance. They are applied in non-stick pans, food packaging, waterproof clothing, cosmetics, plastics, and more. These chemicals do not break down in the environment, accumulating in ecosystems, drinking water, and human bodies.
Some studies have linked PFAS contamination to human health issues, including liver damage, testicular cancer, and low birth weight in infants.
Bao Bao (according to Reuters)
