Australia sues US giant 3M for $2bn over 'forever chemicals' in firefighting foam
Summary
Australia is suing the US company 3M for 2 billion Australian dollars (about 1.4 billion US dollars) because of toxic chemicals called PFAS found in firefighting foam. The government says 3M hid information about the dangers of the foam, which polluted many defense sites across Australia.Key Facts
- Australia filed a lawsuit against 3M for 2 billion Australian dollars over harmful chemicals in firefighting foam.
- The chemicals involved are called PFAS, which do not break down easily and can harm people and the environment.
- The foam contaminated 28 defense locations in Australia, causing large cleanup costs.
- Australia claims 3M knew about the risks but gave false information about the foam’s safety.
- 3M stopped selling firefighting foam containing PFAS in Australia 20 years ago but denies making PFAS in the country.
- The government has already spent over 1 billion Australian dollars on investigating and cleaning PFAS contamination.
- PFAS are used in many products because they resist water and stains but can build up in soil, water, food, and the human body.
- 3M said it will defend itself in court, and noted the government’s Defence Department kept using the foam after 3M stopped selling it.
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