Firefighting Foam Lawsuits
If you have been diagnosed with cancer after exposure to Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), you may be entitled to financial compensation. AFFF contains toxic chemicals that have been linked to several types of cancer.
Exposure to PFAs in Firefighting Foam Could Lead to Cancer
Aqueous Film Forming Foam, or AFFF, has been used for decades by firefighters, the military, airports, and industrial workers to extinguish fuel fires. Long believed to be a completely safe product, many have admitted using it for unintended purposes like cleaning as it is an effective degreaser.
However, it has now come to light that the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in AFFF can cause cancer and other serious health problems. PFAS have been referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ as they stay in the environment for a long time. Experts say that every human tested so far has had PFAS in their blood.
3M and other manufacturers of AFFF knew about the dangers of their product for years but failed to provide adequate warnings to those who used it. As a result, lawsuits are being filed against those manufacturers to hold them accountable for the harm they have caused.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer or another health condition as a result of exposure to AFFF, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options and how we can help you seek justice.
Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Facts
Products
- Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)
Injuries and Illnesses
- Thyroid disease
- Testicular cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Kidney cysts
- Bladder cancer
- High cholesterol
- Fertility issues
- Liver damage
- Ulcerative colitis
- Breast cancer
Defendants
- 3M
- DuPont
- Dozens of other AFFF manufacturers
Status
- A landmark $1.18 billion settlement was approved in February 2024 for PFAS pollution of drinking water, paving the way for increased attention on personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits related to AFFF firefighting foam.
- In March 2024, the focus on PFAS claims expanded to include firefighter turnout gear, leading to the creation of a specific Plaintiff Fact Sheet for cases alleging health issues from PFAS exposure in protective clothing.
Fire Foam Timeline
1960s
The US Navy and 3M developed AFFF in 1960 and patented it in 1963. By 1967, it was being used aboard navy vessels.
1970s
As early as the 1970s, 3M had evidence of the negative effects of PFAS on health, including their build-up in human blood. By the end of the decade, AFFF use had become common among military personnel, firefighters, and those in the aviation industry.
1980s
The Air Force found evidence in animal studies that exposure to AFFF can lead to cell damage.
1990s
The Army and Navy began phasing out the use of AFFF and looking for alternatives. A study by 3M linked the toxic chemicals in AFFF to a higher risk of testicular cancer.
2000s
The Department of Defense, foam manufacturers, and the aviation industry were all warned that AFFF is toxic. It does not biodegrade, and in fact, builds up in the bodies of humans and other animals.
Manufacturers of AFFF formed a lobby known as the Fire Fighting Foam Coalition (FFFC) to defend the use of the film-forming foam.
During this decade, it was determined that there are likely human carcinogens in the product, and first responders had levels of PFAS as high as twice the general population in their blood.
2010s
Institutions across the country and the globe began to restrict the use of AFFF, researching and implementing safer alternatives. The first lawsuits were filed against foam manufacturers in 2016. In 2019, Congress directed the Defense Department to completely phase out foam made with PFAS by 2024.
2020s
Thousands of lawsuits continue to be filed by affected individuals, while many more government agencies have begun banning or restricting the use of the foam.
Were You Diagnosed With Cancer After Exposure to Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)?
If you or someone close to you has developed cancer after using AFFF, you could be entitled to significant compensation with a firefighting foam lawsuit.
Who Is Affected by the Toxic Substances in AFFF?
Firefighters are among the most affected by AFFF exposure since they often use the foam to extinguish fires. Military personnel, airport workers, and industrial workers who handle the foam are all at high risk as well.
Communities living near areas where AFFF has been used or disposed of improperly are also at risk of exposure. For example, AFFF may have been used in training exercises at military bases or airports, and the foam may have leached into the soil and groundwater, affecting nearby communities.
Children born to affected parents may also experience certain health conditions and developmental issues due to exposure to AFFF.
The health effects resulting from exposure to AFFF can vary greatly depending on a range of factors such as the duration and level of exposure, individual genetics, and other health conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that anyone who knows they have had long-term exposure to AFFF, even indirectly, should take measures to protect their health and consult with one of our qualified attorneys to explore their legal options.
Firefighting Foam Lawsuit FAQs
What Is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)?
Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam that contains per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It has been used for decades to extinguish fires involving flammable liquids such as jet fuel.
What Are Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)?
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industrial and commercial applications, including firefighting foam. These substances do not break down easily and can accumulate in the environment and in human and animal bodies.
Why Are PFAS Used in AFFF?
PFAS are used in AFFF because of their ability to create a film over the fuel, smothering the fire and preventing it from reigniting. However, PFAS have been found to be highly persistent and have been linked to a range of serious health concerns.
How Can Exposure to PFAS Be Harmful?
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a variety of serious health concerns, including cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, decreased fertility, and developmental delays in fetuses and infants.
Who Can File a Lawsuit Against AFFF Manufacturers?
Anyone who has been exposed to AFFF and suffered adverse health effects as a result may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of AFFF.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, contact us today and find out for free!
How Long Do I Have To File an AFFF Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for filing an AFFF lawsuit varies by state. It is important to act quickly to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
We are here to help you find the right lawyer to discuss your legal options.
