NY State Sues Foam Manufacturers Over AFFF Contamination

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.