3M knew for more than 50 years that its products could harm humans, Australian government alleges in court documents
Guardian AU
•Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:00:03 GMT
📰 What Happened
The federal government has alleged in court filings that manufacturing giant 3M knew more than 50 years ago that its firefighting products, including components in Pfas “forever chemicals,” could harm humans and animals and damage the environment. The claim is part of a $2bn lawsuit against the company over contamination at 28 defence bases.
🔍 The Backstory
The attorney general, Michelle Rowland, announced in May that the government was suing 3M and its Australian subsidiary, seeking more than $2bn (US$1.4bn) in damages. Commonwealth lawyers allege the Pfas substances stay present in water and soil, persist in the human body and animals, and are linked to reduced kidney function, altered immune function, effects on fertility and puberty, and lower birth weight.
🎯 Why It Matters
The allegations could have huge financial consequences for a major multinational and set a precedent for how Australia holds corporations accountable for historical contamination. They also highlight the long-running public-health cost of “forever chemicals.”
The federal government has alleged in court filings that manufacturing giant 3M knew more than 50 years ago that its firefighting products, including components in Pfas “forever chemicals,” could harm humans and animals and damage the environment. The claim is part of a $2bn lawsuit against the company over contamination at 28 defence bases.
The attorney general, Michelle Rowland, announced in May that the government was suing 3M and its Australian subsidiary, seeking more than $2bn (US$1.4bn) in damages. Commonwealth lawyers allege the Pfas substances stay present in water and soil, persist in the human body and animals, and are linked to reduced kidney function, altered immune function, effects on fertility and puberty, and lower birth weight.
The allegations could have huge financial consequences for a major multinational and set a precedent for how Australia holds corporations accountable for historical contamination. They also highlight the long-running public-health cost of “forever chemicals.”