What is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)?

AFFF is a specialized firefighting foam that has been widely used since the 1960s to combat flammable liquid fires.

The main purpose of AFFF is to suppress fires involving hydrocarbon fuels, such as gasoline, oil, and jet fuel.

Its unique properties make it highly effective at smothering these types of fires, preventing re-ignition, and protecting lives and property.

Different forms of AFFF over the years have been manufactured using a combination of water, hydrocarbon surfactants, fluorochemical surfactants, and stabilizing agents.

Fluorosurfactants used in some firefighting foams fall under the category of PFAS chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals”.

PFAS are synthetic chemicals that contain carbon-fluorine bonds, which allow AFFF to form a film on the surface of a fuel.

PFAS chemicals persist in the environment and human body for a long time.

As a result, these substances have been found in soil, groundwater, and surface water near sites of its use, such as airports, military bases, and firefighting training facilities.

The presence of PFAS in the environment has led to exposure in humans through direct exposure to AFFF, contaminated drinking water, and food sources.

Several scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to a range of health issues, including increased risk of certain cancers, hormonal imbalances, developmental problems, and immune system disorders.

Health Risks Linked to AFFF Firefighting Foam

AFFF and PFAS may persist in the human body for extended periods.

When PFAS are ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, they may accumulate in various organs and tissues.

PFAS do not break down easily, leading to their prolonged presence in bodily systems.

PFAS chemicals can accumulate in various organ systems, causing an array of health issues after long-term exposure.

AFFF Exposure and Cancer Risk

A growing body of scientific research — including studies by the Environmental Protection Agency — has shown a concerning link between PFAS exposure and cancer.

Studies have identified certain PFAS as potential carcinogens, including those present in AFFF firefighting foam.

Cancers potentially linked to the toxic chemicals in AFFF firefighting foam include:

• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer/colorectal cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid cancer

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a malignancy that specifically targets the inner layers of the bladder, leading to symptoms like blood in urine and frequent urination.

Emerging evidence has shown a possible connection between this type of cancer and AFFF foam exposure.

Breast Cancer

One common cancer mentioned in AFFF firefighting foam cases is breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a diverse group of malignancies that arise from various tissues in the breast.

Many studies have already established the link between PFAS and this particular cancer.

In fact, scientific research has found that exposure to PFAS chemicals may increase the risk of breast cancer by up to 13 times.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer/colorectal cancer is a malignancy that forms in the lining of the colon or rectum, often starting as benign polyps but can develop into invasive cancer.

Color cancer risk has been linked to PFAS chemicals in scientific studies.

Kidney Cancer

Renal cell carcinoma — commonly known as kidney cancer — is characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in the kidneys.

Recent research indicates a growing connection between toxic firefighting foam exposure and an increased likelihood of developing kidney cancer.

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is a life-threatening condition where malignant cells grow uncontrollably in the liver’s tissues, often linked to conditions like hepatitis or cirrhosis.

Studies have also shown a potential correlation between AFFF exposure and an elevated risk of liver cancer.

The damage to the organ caused by PFAS accumulation can escalate into malignant cancer growth.

Pancreatic Cancer

The pancreas is an important organ that regulates insulin levels and aids in digestion.

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy that starts in the cells of the pancreas, frequently remaining undetected until advanced stages due to its hidden location.

There is evidence showing how PFAS chemicals can trigger oxidative stress in the pancreas in mice, which may eventually result in developing cancer.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a slow-growing malignancy that forms in the prostate tissue and may affect urinary function, most common among older men.

Although research on the link between AFFF exposure and prostate cancer remains limited, some studies have suggested a potential connection.

It is hypothesized that hormonal changes, in combination with a high-fat diet and exposure to PFAS, may contribute to the growth of malignant cells in this part of the male reproductive system.

Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer refers to the abnormal growth of malignant cells in the rectum, the lower part of the large intestine.

While the specific association between AFFF exposure and rectal cancer remains an area of ongoing investigation, some research has indicated a possible link, necessitating further studies to understand the potential risks involved.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer typically originates in the germ cells, which develop into male sperm.

Studies have suggested potential links between PFAS exposure and an increased risk of testicular cancer, especially with how the chemical affects hormone production and hormonal levels in the organ.

Thyroid Cancer

As a chief producer of many hormones, the thyroid gland is especially susceptible to the effects of AFFF foam.

Thyroid cancer is a type of malignancy that begins in the follicular cells of the thyroid gland and may result in lumps or changes in voice, with several subtypes varying in aggressiveness.

Thyroid cancer refers to the abnormal growth of malignant cells in this organ, which is located in the neck.

There is evidence of PFAS causing this disease, especially after the chemical disrupts normal thyroid function.

Who Has Been Exposed to Toxic Firefighting Foam?

Several professions carry a higher risk of AFFF exposure due to their regular use of firefighting foam or involvement with PFAS-containing materials.

Workers who may be at a higher risk of occupational exposure to AFFF include:

• Municipal firefighters
• Military firefighters
• Military personnel
• Airport workers
• Flight deck workers
• Chemical plant workers
• Workers Involved With Transportation or Disposal of AFFF
• Emergency Responders in Non-Firefighting Professions

Municipal Firefighters

Municipal firefighters respond to fires and emergencies in cities and communities.

These brave individuals often face fires that involve flammable liquid fuels, such as gasoline and oil.

AFFF has been used during firefighting operations to suppress and extinguish these types of fires.

As a result, municipal firefighters may be at high risk of exposure to AFFF and PFAS.

Military Firefighters

Military bases and installations require firefighting services to protect personnel and equipment.

Military firefighters face similar risks as their municipal counterparts, but their exposure may be more frequent due to the unique challenges of firefighting on military installations, which often store large quantities of flammable fuels and chemicals.

The US Military has accounted for a majority of fire fighting foam usage over the years.

Military Personnel

Apart from military firefighters, other military personnel stationed on bases may also be exposed to AFFF, especially during training exercises or emergency response scenarios.

Military bases are likely to have AFFF stockpiles for firefighting purposes, making the risk of exposure more widespread among military personnel.

Airport Workers

Airports rely on AFFF to tackle aircraft fires effectively.

Airport firefighters — who are specially trained to handle aviation-related emergencies — have used AFFF to combat fuel-based fires that may occur during aircraft accidents or incidents on the airfield.

Additionally, other airport workers involved in emergency response and aircraft maintenance may also be exposed to AFFF.

Flight Deck Workers

On aircraft carriers and at airports, flight deck workers handle aircraft during takeoff, landing, and maintenance.

These workers are at risk of AFFF exposure due to their proximity to firefighting activities and the potential for fuel fires on the flight deck.

Chemical Plant Workers

Certain industrial facilities, such as chemical plants, may use AFFF for fire suppression to safeguard against flammable liquid fires.

Workers in these plants may come into contact with AFFF and its PFAS components, especially in industries involved in the manufacturing, storage, or handling of the chemicals.

Workers Involved With Transportation or Disposal of AFFF

Transporting AFFF or disposing of used foam can also lead to exposure.

Workers involved in the transportation, storage, or disposal of AFFF-containing materials must take precautions to minimize their risk of exposure and prevent environmental contamination.

These include truck drivers, clean-up crews, and specialty disposal teams.

Emergency Responders in Non-Firefighting Professions

In some emergency response scenarios, professionals from non-firefighting backgrounds, such as law enforcement, emergency medical services, or hazardous materials teams, may be exposed to firefighting foam products during chemical spills or accidents involving flammable liquids.

If they suffer from exposure to AFFF, they may be eligible to file AFFF lawsuits.

Eligibility for Filing an AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

Personal injury claims for exposure to AFFF firefighting foam are being filed against manufacturers.

If you or a loved one were exposed to AFFF and subsequently developed health problems, you may be eligible to file an AFFF Lawsuit.

An experienced firefighting foam attorney can help determine whether you qualify for an AFFF Lawsuit, assessing your exposure, related health issues, and more.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to file an AFFF Lawsuit instantly.

Our chatbot is free, easy-to-use, and 100% confidential.

AFFF Lawyers typically assess the following elements when determining eligibility to file an AFFF Lawsuit:

• Occupational exposure to AFFF
• Cancer diagnosis or related health issues
• Available evidence
• Related damages

Proof of Occupational Exposure

Countless individuals have been exposed to AFFF or PFAS-containing materials as part of their job in firefighting, military service, chemical plants, and other industries where AFFF is used or handled.

If you have been exposed to fire fighting foam at work, you may be eligible to file an AFFF Lawsuit.

It’s important that you gather any evidence related to your exposure history and your employment that involved the use of firefighting foam.

Diagnosis of Cancer or Related Health Issues

People exposed to toxic chemicals in firefighting foam may be dealing with severe health problems.

As part of filing an AFFF Lawsuit, it’s essential that you gather and retain any medical records.

Health risks associated with AFFF exposure include:

• Cancer: A cancer is a group of malignant cells growing out of control, resulting in tumors that threaten the life of a person.
• Hormonal Imbalances: PFAS can disrupt hormone regulation in the body, leading to issues with reproductive health and thyroid function.
• Developmental Problems: Prenatal exposure to PFAS can result in developmental delays and adverse effects on fetal growth and development.
• Immune System Disorders: PFAS exposure may weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
• Liver Damage: Prolonged exposure to PFAS can lead to liver damage and affect its ability to function properly. The main reason why this organ is susceptible is because PFAS can accumulate in the liver more than in other organs in the body, causing metabolic disruptions and liver injury.

Evidence in AFFF Lawsuits

Evidence is extremely important in filing AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits.

Your attorney will help you gather and retain evidence, but this is a step in the process you can begin on your own.

Typical evidence in an AFFF Lawsuit 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 AFFF Lawsuits

Damages refer to the total amount of losses, economic and non-economic, incurred as a result of exposure to PFAS chemicals in AFFF firefighting foam.

Damages in an AFFF Lawsuit 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

TorHoerman Law: Your Firefighting Foam Law Firm

Our attorneys are accepting clients for firefighting foam cancer lawsuits in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one were exposed to toxic PFAS in firefighting foam and subsequently developed cancer or other related health risks, you may be eligible to file an AFFF Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the AFFF lawsuit instantly.

We understand the severity of the AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits and the health risks related to exposure.

Our firefighting foam attorneys are here to represent you throughout the AFFF litigation and advocate for your legal rights.

Reach out to us for more information.