Tyco Fire Products, Marinette, has agreed to a $750 million settlement with communities that detected perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in public water systems.
Tyco, a subsidiary of Johnson Controls International, manufactured foam containing PFAS, at its facility in Marinette.
Tyco expects to contribute an initial $250 million on or about May 25, with the remaining $500 million to be contributed six months after preliminary court approval of the settlement. Settlement documents do not specify which communities will receive the funds, though it does specify that the settlement excludes private water systems and those operated by the U.S. government or any state.
The settlement does not resolve any litigation regarding personal injury, real property damage and other types of actions. It also specifies that it is not an admission of guilt.
PFAS are used in the manufacture of a wide variety of products including nonstick cookware, stain-resistant clothing, food wrappers and firefighting foam. The chemicals do not break down easily and have been found to pose potential health hazards when they accumulate.
Napoli Shkolnik law firm filed the suit that resulted in the settlement and has been active in obtaining similar settlements with companies including 3M and Dupont.
