The Katherine lawsuit relates to contamination from PFAS in firefighting foam used at RAAF Base Tindal.
A Fairfax Media investigation revealed the widespread use of PFAS across Australia at more than 90 separate sites,many of which are in or close to residential areas.
The federal Department of Health maintains there is no consistent evidence the toxins cause “important” health effects.
In contrast,a recent US government report into the effects of PFAS found it is even more toxic than previously thought and can cause immune dysfunction,hormonal interference and certain types of cancer in humans.
The new lawsuit filed in the Federal Court by Shine Lawyers,is an"open"class action,meaning every resident of Katherine is included unless they choose to opt out.
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Residents near the RAAF air base in Williamtown,just north of Newcastle in NSW,launched similar action in November 2016.
In July 2017 450 residents in the south-east Queensland town of Oakeybrought a lawsuit against the department seeking up to $200 million in damages.