American Cyanamid controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile8 entries
1985
Second Linden insecticide leak
Another leak at the Linden facility generated hundreds of complaints involving breathing difficulties and nausea in Brooklyn and Staten Island.
1984
Linden toxic-fume release
A toxic-fume cloud from the Linden insecticide plant affected a broad area of New Jersey and Staten Island. More than 160 people were hospitalized, nearby workers were evacuated, and residents received emergency instructions.
1983
Bound Brook–Bridgewater contamination
The former 575-acre New Jersey chemical site was designated for Superfund cleanup because of long-term contamination involving industrial chemicals and polluted waste impoundments.
1978
Linden labor and workplace-health strike
More than 1,300 workers at the Linden, New Jersey plant struck over management’s handling of alleged exposure to carcinogens, asbestos, and other workplace hazards.
1978
Willow Island reproductive-risk employment policy
At the Willow Island plant, women of child-bearing age were reportedly told to leave their jobs, accept demotion, or undergo sterilization after the company concluded that lead exposure might cause birth defects. The policy led to government action and civil-rights litigation.
1973
Industrial discharge into Georgia waterways
Georgia regulators ordered the company to stop discharging sulfuric acid into the Wilmington and Savannah Rivers after attributing fish kills to chemical pollution.
1964
American Cyanamid explosion
The company was associated with a serious industrial explosion in 1964, part of a broader history of safety incidents and regulatory scrutiny.
1942
Antitrust violation fine
American Cyanamid was fined for antitrust violations. The reported penalty was $453,461.