NY State Sues Foam Manufacturers Over AFFF Contamination

Posted by: Curt Varone June 21, 2018 0

The state of New York has join a growing list of plaintiffs suing the nation’s firefighting foam manufacturers over groundwater contamination problems associated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).

The suit filed by New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood alleges that 3M Company, Tyco Fire Products LP, Chemguard, Inc., Buckeye Fire Equipment Company, National Foam, Inc., and Kidde-Fenwal, Inc. are responsible for groundwater contamination at various sites throughout the state where firefighters have used AFFF, particularly for training.

AFFF contains perfluorooctane sulfonic acid/perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and/or perfluorooctanoic acid/perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), which are associated with a number of health conditions. PFOA is also a suspected carcinogen.

I will post a copy of the complaint when it becomes available. Here is more on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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