NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood and Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a lawsuit June 20 against 3M and five other companies after allegations of environmental contamination stemming from toxic chemicals in the companies’ products.
“The conduct of these manufacturers caused widespread contamination of our drinking water and our environment and jeopardized the health of tens of thousands of New Yorkers,” Underwood said in a statement. “My office will hold these companies accountable for endangering the health of New Yorkers, including forcing them to fully repay the state for cleaning up the toxic mess they created.”
According to allegations, the companies manufactured firefighting foams that were installed at military and civilian airports in Newburgh, New Windsor, Southampton, Plattsburgh and Rome, New York. These foams purportedly had toxic chemicals called perfluorooctane sulfonic acid/perfluoroctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid/perflurooctanoate (PFOA). Because of the chemicals, the soil, fish and water near the airports purportedly became contaminated.
“As state experts continue to investigate contamination caused by firefighting foams, New York is working to end the dangerous practices that threaten our natural resources,” Cuomo said in a statement. “By taking necessary legal action against these companies, we are sending a clear message that we will do everything in our power to protect New Yorkers.”