In filings as part of its $2bn lawsuit against the multinational company, commonwealth lawyers said products sold to Australia were known to stay present in water and soil, were persistent in the human body and in animals, and contributed to conditions including reduced kidney function, alterations in immune function, effects on fertility and puberty and lower birth weight in babies.

In May, the attorney general, Michelle Rowland, announced the federal government was suing 3M and its Australian subsidiary over Pfas chemical contamination at 28 defence bases, seeking damages of more than $2bn (US$1.4bn).

The government alleges the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as Pfas, in firefighting foam has caused major environmental and economic harm, resulting in the largest legal claim brought to date by the Australian government.