No Longer Accepting Claims
AFFF Lawsuit Facts
TorHoerman Law is no longer accepting claims for the AFFF Lawsuit.
Intake Closed
Employees of AFFF manufacturers may be at risk of exposure to PFAS chemicals in AFFF firefighting foam.
By coming into direct contact with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at various points in the manufacturing process, workers may be susceptible to various health conditions.
Pathways of occupational exposure to AFFF include:
- Exposure to AFFF during the manufacturing process
- Exposure to AFFF during testing and quality control of firefighting foams
- During cleanup procedures for AFFF products
- During the storage and disposal of AFFF firefighting foam
During the AFFF Foam Manufacturing Process
Workers involved in AFFF manufacturing may be at risk for occupational exposure to PFAS chemicals at various stages.
A person’s exposure can take place during the mixing and pumping of toxic firefighting foam.
As workers actively participate in mixing, pumping, and applying AFFF firefighting foams, they may generate fine mist and vapors.
As workers generate mist, they may inhale the particles in the vapors, which will often contain PFAS chemicals — chemicals shown to cause cancer and other health problems.
The potential hazards aren’t just confined to the production process.
In cases of AFFF foam spills or leaks, the PFAS chemicals within the firefighting foam can disperse into the surroundings, being ingested by workers or infiltrating the surrounding environment.
This situation means that if you work in areas impacted by spills or leaks, there’s a potential for PFAS exposure through skin contact or accidental ingestion.
The polyfluoroalkyl substances in AFFF foam have been shown to pose serious health risks.
These illnesses can range from immune system issues to kidney and testicular cancer.
AFFF Firefighting Foam Testing and Quality Control
As workers carry out the testing process, exposure to the foam becomes a real possibility.
This exposure happens through various channels.
As the foam undergoes testing, it can transform into mists and vapors, which workers could unintentionally inhale.
The foam can also make direct contact with a worker’s skin or, in certain situations, might even be inadvertently ingested.
These scenarios can inadvertently expose workers to the PFAS or “forever chemicals” found in AFFF firefighting foam.
Cleanup Processes for AFFF Firefighting Foam
Workers may also risk AFFF exposure during cleanup procedures.
When workers clean-up AFFF firefighting foam, they may be exposed to PFAS chemicals by inhaling, touching, or ingesting the foam.
PFAS inhalation is the primary risk, commonly occurring during cleanup when airborne foam particles are released due to spills or leaks.
Workers might also risk exposure via skin contact when they manually handle AFFF fire fighting foam.
Foam splashes can place workers in direct contact with PFAS chemicals, increasing their risk of developing cancer.
Although less frequent, ingestion is possible, whether through swallowing foam or contact with the mouth.
However, despite the rarity of exposure via ingestion, it’s a possibility that workers shouldn’t write out.
When Storing and Disposing of AFFF Firefighting Foam
In roles involving storage and disposal, workers could potentially risk exposure to AFFF firefighting foam.
When workers are storing or disposing of AFFF foam, the possibility of exposure exists.
As with involvement in the manufacturing, testing, and cleanup process, inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion are the main ways through which exposure can happen.
Whether it is from the foam releasing into the air during these tasks or a spill or leak occurring, inhalation poses a significant risk.
Direct skin contact is another concern.
