The US multinational maker of Post-it and Scotch tape also reached a US$10 billion settlement in the United States in 2023 over contamination of water supplies.
Known as “forever chemicals” as they take an extremely long time to break down, PFAS are human-made chemicals that repel heat, water and oil, and are used in nonstick pans, stain-proof carpets and other products.
They are increasingly being restricted across the world due to adverse health effects.
WATER CONTAMINATED
Despite Australia’s defence force phasing out PFAS-containing foams in 2004, high levels of PFAS remain present in the environment around many defence sites, an Australian parliament inquiry into the matter said last year.
The inquiry heard evidence from an Aboriginal community living near a navy base in New South Wales state, who bathed in and gathered food near rivers contaminated by firefighting foam. The community feared the water was the cause of ill-health.
Another “PFAS hotspot” was found by water authority testing in the state’s Blue Mountains world heritage area, close to an air force base, in 2024.
As concern over health impacts grew in communities, the military spent about A$1.3 billion treating 13 billion litres of water and supplying alternative sources to 785 properties, including bottled drinking water and rainwater tanks.
The Australian government settled a AU$133 million class action with residents from seven communities in 2023.