AFFF Manufacturers Named in the AFFF Firefighting Foam MDL
Over the years, the use of AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) in firefighting has been a subject of significant concern due to its potential health risks.
Recent litigation has brought to light the possible dangers associated with exposure to this foam, particularly an increased risk of developing cancer.
Who are the Defendants?
Several prominent manufacturers of AFFF firefighting foam have been named as defendants in the ongoing AFFF MDL (multi-district litigation).
Many of these companies are well-known household names and have been recognized as the largest producers of AFFF throughout its history of use.
The list of defendants includes:
- 3M
- DuPont
- Chemours
- Tyco Fire Products
- Corteva Incorporated
- BASF Corporation
- Arkema Incorporated
- Dynax Corporation
- Chubb National Foam Incorporated
- UTC Fire & Security Americas
- AGC Chemicals Americas
- Kidde-Fenwal
- Clariant Corporation
- Carrier Global Corporation
Why are they being sued?
These manufacturers are under scrutiny for their alleged role in endangering the public.
The core of the litigation revolves around the accusation that these companies were aware of the increased risks posed by the toxic chemicals present in their AFFF products.
Despite this knowledge, it is claimed that they failed to provide adequate warnings or take necessary measures to mitigate these health risks.
Potential Outcomes of the Litigation
If the AFFF litigation concludes in favor of the plaintiffs, the manufacturers may be held accountable on two primary grounds:
- Knowledge without Action: The defendants potentially knew about the health risks associated with their products but did not take appropriate action.
- Failure to Warn: The companies did not provide adequate warnings about the dangers of their products.
As a result, these manufacturers might be required to compensate the plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits against them, alleging harm from exposure to AFFF.
Have you been affected?
If you or a loved one has developed cancer or any other health condition after exposure to AFFF, you might be eligible to participate in the AFFF lawsuit.
It’s crucial to understand your rights and the potential compensation you could receive.
Contact TorHoerman Law Today
TorHoerman Law is offering a free consultation for individuals who believe they have been affected by AFFF exposure.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to understand your legal position and potential remedies.
Additionally, if you’re unsure about your eligibility, you can utilize the chatbot available on this page to determine if you qualify for the AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit.
Remember, your health and well-being are paramount.
If you believe you’ve been affected by AFFF, take action today and seek the justice you deserve.
An Overview of the AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits
AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits are product liability and personal injury claims targeted at companies involved in the production or utilization of AFFF firefighting foam.
AFFF firefighting foam was often manufactured using per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of artificial chemicals linked to numerous health issues like cancer, thyroid problems, and reduced fertility.
These lawsuits claim that the implicated companies were aware of the health hazards posed by PFAS containing foams, yet they neglected to inform their employees or the general public about these health risks.
Additionally, AFFF Lawsuits contend that these companies are responsible for a range of health complications among individuals exposed to AFFF foam and PFAS contamination.
The AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits remain ongoing, and the potential monetary compensation for the plaintiffs remains uncertain.
Nonetheless, these legal actions have already played a significant role in raising awareness about the health risks of PFAS.
Here are some key points about the ongoing AFFF foam lawsuits:
- AFFF Lawsuits have been filed against various corporations, including 3M, DuPont, Chemours, Tyco Fire Protection Products, and Kidde-Fenwal. Several other AFFF firefighting foam manufacturers have been named in the AFFF litigation.
- The lawsuits assert that companies had knowledge of health risks associated with Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for years.
- Claims also contend that AFFF companies caused diverse health problems among AFFF foam-exposed individuals. These health problems include various cancers, thyroid issues, and fertility decline.
- The lawsuits are ongoing, and the potential compensations for plaintiffs have not been determined yet.
- In 2019, the lawsuits consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL). The AFFF MDL was filed in the United States District Court District of South Carolina as MDL 2873.
AFFF Firefighting Foam and Related Health Problems
The manufacturers of AFFF firefighting foam are potentially liable for placing military personnel, the public, and their employees at risk for developing various health issues.
To understand what makes these companies liable, we need to understand some of the issues surrounding AFFF firefighting foam.
AFFF firefighting foam’s association with various environmental and health problems can be traced back to one thing — PFAS chemicals in AFF foam.
Health Risks of Forever Chemicals
PFAS chemicals have been used in the manufacturing of AFFF firefighting foam, specifically fluorosurfactants.
Various agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and Environmental Working Group raised concerns over PFAS chemicals, linking the forever chemicals to to various health problems.
The EPA outlined cancer risk among the list of potential health problems resulting from PFAS exposure.
PFAS exposure has been linked to several types of cancers:
The Bioaccumulative Properties of PFAS Chemicals
Bioaccumulation is a chemical’s ability to stay inside the body before breaking down.
PFAS chemicals have high bioaccumulation, meaning they can remain in the body for an indefinite period.
This is a major problem, and partly the reason that victims are filing AFFF Lawsuits.
The longer PFAS remains inside the body, the higher chance it has to accumulate to toxic levels and cause health complications.
Toxicity of Forever Chemicals
PFAS chemicals are toxic and have been linked to various health problems.
According to the Endocrine Society, these toxic chemicals can disrupt endocrine function, leading to extensive thyroid disease and metabolic issues.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) found in lab animal studies that exposure to PFAS contamination can cause damage to the liver and immune system.
The ATSDR also found that PFAS chemicals also caused low birth weight, birth defects, delayed development, and newborn deaths in lab animals.
Environmental PFAS Contamination
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has long been aware of the detrimental effects of PFAS chemicals in the environment.
According to the EPA, PFAS chemicals are one of the most concerning environmental pollutants present in soil and water.
While we can attribute the presence of PFAS chemicals in the soil to many factors, one is the disposal and usage of AFFF firefighting foam.
PFAS chemicals are toxic to plant and animal life.
Furthermore, their traces can find their way into food and drinking water, placing the public at risk for serious health problems.
Scientific Evidence Linking AFFF to Various Health Problems
Various studies have suggested the correlation between AFFF exposure and various illnesses like cancer and endocrine disorders.
One study entitled “Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances in a cohort of women firefighters and office workers in San Francisco” found that firefighters were more likely to develop cancer compared to the general population due to PFAS exposure.
The study is just one of many that have suggested the link between exposure to AFFF and cancer (among other illnesses.).
Over the last few years, there have been more studies pointing to AFFF and the development of specific cancers.
AÂ 2021 epidemiological review identified two (2) prevalent types of cancers documented in people exposed to PFAS chemicals:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
The CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) had similar findings.
In 2022, it mentioned cancer risk as one of the health problems from PFAS exposure.
The ATSDR also mentioned other equally serious health risks resulting from exposure to AFFF:
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Negative changes in liver enzymes
- Hypertension (and pre-eclampsia in pregnant women)
- Birth defects
- Poor vaccine response in children
Research also suggests the effect PFAS has on hormonal health.
According to a 2021 study, PFAS chemicals can disrupt endocrine functions.
These chemicals bind to certain glands and receptors, blunting hormonal responses.
This leads to hormonal imbalances that can affect a person’s health and metabolism.
These studies make up just the tip of the iceberg.
The health risks from PFAS exposure and PFAS-containing AFFF foams are real — and negligent AFFF companies may be liable.
If you’ve developed cancer or any illness resulting from exposure to toxic firefighting foam product, contact our law firm today.
Previous Legal Actions Taken Against AFFF Manufacturers
Legal action is already being taken against the manufacturers of AFFF firefighting foam.
The AFFF lawsuits were filed on the grounds that the companies knew about the health risks of PFAS, but they continued to manufacture and use AFFF foam.
AFFF lawsuits are ongoing in various states.
Some of the first lawsuits were filed in 2019, and since then, AFFF Lawsuits have been consolidated in MDL 2873.
The growing awareness of AFFF and cancer risk has prompted several AFFF manufacturers to respond in their own ways.
Of note, 3M — one of the most notable companies in the lawsuits — continues to deny its involvement, saying that the evidence linking the PFAS content of AFFF and cancer risk is inconclusive.
This is a similar position held by several manufacturers named in the AFFF lawsuit.
Meanwhile, several companies have been affected by the lawsuits.
On May 23, 2023, Kidde-Fenwal — another AFFF manufacturer named in the AFFF lawsuit — filed for Section 11 bankruptcy.
However, due to the number of pending cases against the company, the courts have still allowed the company to operate to fulfill any potential obligation to provide financial compensation.
A Brief History of AFFF Usage
AFFF firefighting foam has been around for decades.
AFFF has been used to put out Class B fires, or fires caused by flammable liquids.
AFFF firefighting foam was developed in 1960 as a joint project between the United States Navy and 3M Corporation.
By the late 60s, AFFF was adopted by various military branches due to a fire that broke out on the USS Forrestal.
In the 1970s, AFFF foam made its way into various military facilities, municipal and military airports, chemical plants, and other settings where Class B fires were of concern.
For decades, AFFF firefighting foam became the “gold standard” for putting out flammable liquid-caused fires.
However, by the early 2000s, it became clear that the foam’s PFAS content (or “forever chemicals”) remained indefinitely in the environment.
Worse yet, these chemicals were found to be hazardous to the human body.
TorHoerman Law: Your AFFF Lawyers
Exposure to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) can have severe health consequences, including an increased risk of cancer and other related illnesses.
If you have been exposed to AFFF and developed cancer or other health issues, you may be eligible to file an AFFF Lawsuit.
Contact TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.
You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the firefighting foam cancer lawsuit instantly.
Our expert AFFF lawyers understand the importance of seeking justice and we promise fight for your legal rights.
We understand the complexities of firefighting foam cancer lawsuits and can provide reliable advice and representation throughout the legal process.
Reach out to us for more information and visit this page for the latest AFFF Lawsuit update.
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