[2023 Update] AFFF Foam Cancer Lawsuit | Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawyers

Firefighting Foam Lawsuits: Everything You Need To Know About AFFF Litigation

Individuals such as firefighters, military firefighters, chemical plant workers, and others who have been exposed to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF Firefighting Foam) may be at risk for serious health issues.

AFFF has been used for many years to put out fires caused by flammable liquids and gasses. Although it’s effective, AFFF contains cancer-causing PFAS chemicals.

Governments are taking steps to eliminate PFAS and phase out the use of firefighting foam. Many people who used or were exposed to AFFF at work or in their communities are now facing health complications from PFAS exposure.

They were assured that AFFF Firefighting Foam was safe, but now they are grappling with health problems and medical expenses due to PFAS exposure.

Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits are being filed on behalf of victims suffering from exposure to PFAS chemicals. Several pending AFFF Lawsuits and current AFFF Lawsuits are being consolidated into the AFFF MDL.

If you or a loved one have suffered from exposure to firefighting foam, receiving a cancer diagnosis or other major health condition, you may qualify to file an AFFF Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. You can also use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for the AFFF Lawsuit instantly.

What Is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)?

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a type of firefighting foam used to extinguish flammable liquid and gas fires. AFFF Firefighting Foam works by creating a barrier or “film” on top of the burning liquid, smothering the fire and preventing re-ignition.

AFFF has been in use for several decades and is widely used in various settings including airports, oil refineries, chemical plants, and military bases.

AFFF is made of a combination of surfactants, solvents, and other chemical compounds, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are also known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down and persist in the environment and in human blood indefinitely.

Is AFFF a Carcinogen?

PFAS chemicals used in AFFF firefighting foam have been found to be carcinogens.

Studies have shown that certain PFAS chemicals, such as PFOA and PFOS, can increase the risk of certain cancers. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a statistically significant association between PFOA exposure and an increased risk of kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and ulcerative colitis. Another study published in the International Journal of Cancer found a positive association between PFOS exposure and breast cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified PFOA as a possible carcinogen, and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic to humans. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a health advisory for PFOA and PFOS, stating that long-term exposure to these chemicals above certain levels could be harmful to human health.

Overall, the evidence linking PFAS exposure to cancer is concerning, and further research is needed to fully understand the potential health effects of these chemicals.

What are the Different Types of Firefighting Foam?

There are three main types of aqueous film forming foam (firefighting foam). The different types of firefighting foam were created by different companies and used for years.

According to the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council, the three main types of firefighting foam used in the United States include:

1. Legacy PFOS AFFF (Lightwater AFFF): Manufactured by 3M from the 1960s until 2002 as “Lightwater AFFF”. This firefighting foam may contain a number of toxic chemicals: PFAS, PFOS, PFOA, PFCAs, PFSAs, and PFHxS. A study published in Environmental Science Technology looked at groundwater contamination from this firefighting foam at US military bases.
2. Legacy Fluorotelomer AFFF: Legacy Fluorotelomer AFFF foams are a type of firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals. They were manufactured and sold in the US from 1970s to 2016 and contain a mixture of short-chain and long-chain PFAS. These foams may also contain trace amounts of PFOA as a result of the manufacturing process. This formulation of firefighting foams were manufactured by all other major brands besides 3M (Lightwater AFFF).
3. Modern Fluorotelomer AFFF: This type of firefighting foam was created to follow the 2015 guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While these firefighting foams follow EPA rules, they still contain short-chain PFAS and other toxic chemicals whose impact on human health have not been extensively studied.

AFFF Firefighting Foam Exposure in Groundwater and Drinking Water

Firefighting foam exposure through groundwater is a significant public health concern. PFAS are known to be highly persistent in the environment and can leach into groundwater, affecting the water supply for communities near airports, military bases, and chemical plants where the foam has been used.

The dangers of PFAS-contaminated water are particularly concerning for pregnant women, young children, and communities that rely on well water.

In response to the potential health risks posed by PFAS-contaminated groundwater, government agencies, communities, and private organizations are taking steps to halt water contamination from firefighting foam and PFAS.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established an action plan to address PFAS in the environment, which includes efforts to monitor and reduce PFAS releases into groundwater, as well as establish national drinking water standards for PFAS. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Defense is working to phase out the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam and to address PFAS contamination at military installations.

Communities near contaminated sites are also taking action to address PFAS-contaminated groundwater by advocating for clean-up efforts and filing lawsuits against AFFF manufacturers:

The city of Stuart, Florida filed suit against 3M for groundwater contamination from AFFF firefighting foam in 2018, and an MDL was formed. The following states, cities and municipal agencies have also joined lawsuits against AFFF manufacturers:

• State of Michigan
• State of New Hampshire
• State of Ohio
• State of Vermont
• A water district that serves Birmingham, Alabama
• Thornton, CO
• Philadelphia, PA
• La Crosse, WI
• Peshtigo, WI
• Baltimore, MD
• The Water Replenishment District of Southern California
• Camden and Point Pleasant, NJ
• The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Pittsboro, NC
• Fairbanks, AK
• Many other cities and local water agencies

Filing An AFFF Foam Cancer Lawsuit

If you or a loved one have been exposed to PFAS from AFFF Firefighting Foam and were subsequently diagnosed with related injuries or complications, you could be eligible for compensation through an AFFF lawsuit.

Contact us for a free consultation.

Don’t want to wait for a consultation? Use the chatbot on this page.

Our virtual legal assistant chatbot can verify whether you qualify for an AFFF Lawsuit in under two minutes.

Who Has Been Exposed to Firefighting Foam?

Individuals who work in a number of different industries and fields may have been exposed to firefighting foam.

People who may have suffered from occupational exposure to firefighting foam include:

• Firefighters working for cities and municipalities
• Airport and military firefighters
• Those who worked on a flight deck
• Those who worked for AFFF Manufacturers
• Those who transported AFFF Firefighting Foam
• Those who worked for an incinerator facility disposing of firefighting foam

Gathering Evidence For AFFF Lawsuits

Evidence in an AFFF lawsuit is extremely important. Your AFFF lawyers with help you determine what evidence to present in a court of law.

Evidence in AFFF lawsuits may include:

• Medical records
• Cancer diagnosis information
• Employment records
• History of AFFF exposure
• Personal and witness testimony
• Any other information validating exposure to firefighting foam

Damages In Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

Firefighting foam cancer lawyers will help victims assess their damages. Damages refer to the total economic and non-economic losses a person has suffered due to AFFF exposure.

Experienced firefighting foam lawyers, with the help of the claimant, will calculate your damages and demand compensation from the defendants.

Typical damages for AFFF foam lawsuits may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress
• Lost earning ability
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability
• Future medical expenses and therapy costs
• Other compensatory and punitive damages
• Loss of consortium

Why Hiring Experienced Firefighting Foam Attorneys For Your Claim Is Important

Contact an AFFF attorney with experience in toxic tort, chemical exposure, and personal injury lawsuits to discuss your potential case.

An experienced law firm will work diligently through the civil litigation process to prove liability and help ensure your case is as strong as possible.

TorHoerman Law understands that AFFF foam lawsuits may involve cancer diagnosis and other hardships endured by victims and their families. Our law firm will work tirelessly to ensure that you and your family are fully compensated for exposure to firefighting foam and the health issues related to AFFF exposure.

Any law firm you contact for your claim should be willing to go the extra mile to secure compensation that you are rightfully owed. Always take the choice of a lawyer with extreme discretion.

Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

Currently, it is too early to determine what the average AFFF Lawsuit settlement amounts for exposure to firefighting foam may be.

Prior mass tort cases for exposure to PFAS chemicals have been significant, and with the severity of health problems linked to firefighting foam, our law firm expects the AFFF settlement to promptly compensate people for the injuries suffered.

Visit this page for more updates on the potential global Firefighting Foam settlement.

TorHoerman Law: Your Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawyers

TorHoerman Law’s team of experienced firefighting foam lawyers are representing those facing complications due to PFAS and firefighting foam exposure.

Our personal injury lawyers have helped thousands of victims across all 50 states take on hundreds of companies that put workers, community members, and consumers at risk.

Over the past 11 years, our law firm has helped clients gain over $4 Billion in verdicts and negotiated settlements to help them get back on the path to recovery.

Contact TorHoerman Law AFFF Lawyers for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for an AFFF Foam Lawsuit instantly.