The Australian government has filed a landmark lawsuit against 3M and other chemical manufacturers over PFAS contamination, demanding compensation for the long-term damage caused by these ‘forever chemicals’. In response, the UK’s Environment Agency has announced a review of domestic safety standards. For those living near factories or military bases, this is more than a legal squabble: it is a moment of reckoning for how we regulate the invisible toxins that seep into our soil, water and blood.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been used for decades in non-stick pans, waterproof clothing and firefighting foam. Their resilience makes them useful but also dangerous. They accumulate in the environment and the human body, linked to cancers, liver damage and fertility issues. In Australia, contamination has devastated farming communities and water supplies. Now, the federal government is seeking damages for cleanup costs and health monitoring.
The UK regulator’s review is welcome but overdue. Currently, British limits for PFAS in drinking water are less stringent than those in the US or EU. Campaigners have long argued that while industry profits, the public pays the price in health and cleanup costs. The new review will examine whether standards need tightening and whether manufacturers should be liable for remediation.
This is a story of collective ignorance and belated responsibility. For decades, we trusted the promise of convenience and performance, only to discover that the price was environmental debt. The Australian lawsuit is a reminder that the bill eventually falls due. In Britain, the review will test whether our own regulatory system is brave enough to protect citizens rather than industry interests. For those of us who drink tap water or eat from non-stick pans, the outcome matters. The question is not whether PFAS are harmful, but whether we will act before the contamination spreads further.
