The Australian government has begun legal action against United States-based company, 3M, over contaminating chemicals.
The case is focused on ‘forever chemicals’ being present in firefighting foam supplied by 3M.
Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are a group of man-made synthetic chemicals that do not break down over time and stay present in whatever environment they are in.
A claim for over A$2 billion is being put forth by the federal government, on the basis of environmental, cultural and economic damage and costs from the forever chemical contamination.
“The Commonwealth has commenced this legal action to pursue appropriate accountability through the Federal Court and to seek recovery of costs borne by the Commonwealth in responding to PFAS contamination at Defence bases," said Attorney-General Michelle Rowland.
“This is about ensuring these issues are addressed through proper legal processes.”
