#TradFi交易分享挑战
Contains "permanent chemicals"! 3M Company Sued
The Australian federal government announced that it has officially filed a lawsuit against U.S. manufacturing company 3M, accusing its fire-fighting foam of containing "permanent chemicals," leading to serious pollution at 28 military bases and surrounding environments within Australia. The Australian government is seeking damages of up to 2 billion AUD (approximately 9.7 billion RMB).
According to Reuters, the fire-fighting foam involved was widely used at 28 Australian defense military bases. 3M previously claimed that the product was safe to dispose of, biodegradable, and harmless to humans and the environment. However, Australian prosecutors allege that 3M has long concealed that the foam contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "permanent chemicals," and also concealed test results showing significant adverse environmental impacts.
Australian Attorney-General Michelle Roland stated: "This misconduct has cost the Australian Department of Defense and Australian taxpayers a great deal. So far, over 1 billion AUD (about 4.8 billion RMB) has been spent on investigating, repairing, and mitigating the permanent chemical contamination at military bases. Undoubtedly, this lawsuit against 3M is of great significance."
In response to the allegations, 3M stated that the company has never produced "per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances" in Australia and ceased selling related products about 20 years ago. The company also said it will actively defend itself in court.
"Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances" are a broad class of synthetic chemicals widely used in waterproof clothing, food packaging, cosmetics, and other products. Due to their extreme resistance to natural degradation and their ability to accumulate in the human body through the food chain, they are called "permanent chemicals." Experts point out that long-term exposure to water sources contaminated with such substances may affect reproductive systems, children's development, and increase cancer risk.
It is reported that 3M is currently facing thousands of lawsuits related to PFAS contamination. In 2023, it reached a $10.3 billion settlement with several U.S. public water systems over related litigation. $MMM
Contains "permanent chemicals"! 3M Company Sued
The Australian federal government announced that it has officially filed a lawsuit against U.S. manufacturing company 3M, accusing its fire-fighting foam of containing "permanent chemicals," leading to serious pollution at 28 military bases and surrounding environments within Australia. The Australian government is seeking damages of up to 2 billion AUD (approximately 9.7 billion RMB).
According to Reuters, the fire-fighting foam involved was widely used at 28 Australian defense military bases. 3M previously claimed that the product was safe to dispose of, biodegradable, and harmless to humans and the environment. However, Australian prosecutors allege that 3M has long concealed that the foam contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "permanent chemicals," and also concealed test results showing significant adverse environmental impacts.
Australian Attorney-General Michelle Roland stated: "This misconduct has cost the Australian Department of Defense and Australian taxpayers a great deal. So far, over 1 billion AUD (about 4.8 billion RMB) has been spent on investigating, repairing, and mitigating the permanent chemical contamination at military bases. Undoubtedly, this lawsuit against 3M is of great significance."
In response to the allegations, 3M stated that the company has never produced "per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances" in Australia and ceased selling related products about 20 years ago. The company also said it will actively defend itself in court.
"Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances" are a broad class of synthetic chemicals widely used in waterproof clothing, food packaging, cosmetics, and other products. Due to their extreme resistance to natural degradation and their ability to accumulate in the human body through the food chain, they are called "permanent chemicals." Experts point out that long-term exposure to water sources contaminated with such substances may affect reproductive systems, children's development, and increase cancer risk.
It is reported that 3M is currently facing thousands of lawsuits related to PFAS contamination. In 2023, it reached a $10.3 billion settlement with several U.S. public water systems over related litigation. $MMM
