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AFFF Lawsuit Update | Firefighting Foam Lawsuit [2024 Guide]

Chemical Manufacturers face legal action over Firefighting Foam Cancer Risk

Key takeaways:

  • AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) is a firefighting foam that has been linked to various health issues, including cancer, due to its PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) content.

  • Numerous lawsuits have been filed against AFFF manufacturers, alleging that they knew about the health risks but failed to warn the public.

  • The law firm TorHoerman Law is actively investigating AFFF cases and offering free consultations for individuals who believe they have been harmed by the foam.

Most Recent Updates:

  • Manufacturers like DuPont and 3M have settled for over $1 billion due to water contamination lawsuits from PFAS chemicals.

  • The billion-dollar settlement is designated for contaminated public water systems, with individual health-related AFFF lawsuits still in progress.

  • Lawyers are still seeking clients affected by AFFF exposure, offering free consultations for potential lawsuits.

Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Overview

Toxic chemicals in Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF Firefighting Foam) have been linked to numerous types of cancer, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, and more.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals, also known as forever chemicals, used to make AFFF firefighting foam do not break down, remaining in the environment and in human blood indefinitely.

AFFF Firefighting Foam lawsuits aim to hold manufacturers accountable for putting peoples’ health at risk.

If you’re considering filing an AFFF Lawsuit or AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit, you likely have some questions.

Below, our attorneys look at the studies conducted on the AFFF Firefighting Foam, and evidence linking these chemicals to various forms of cancer.

If you or a loved one was exposed to firefighting foam and subsequently developed cancer, contact an attorney from TorHoerman Law for a free, no-obligation legal consultation today and find out if you qualify for a firefighting foam lawsuit.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for legal action instantly.

Table of Contents
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Lawsuit Updates

March 6, 2024

Currently, a total of 7,170 AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) Lawsuits are pending consolidation according to the most recent JPML filings.

Multidistrict Litigations (MDLs) are legal procedures in the United States designed to handle multiple related civil lawsuits that involve similar issues, facts or defendants.

When numerous individuals or entities file lawsuits related to a common set of circumstances, such as product liability, pharmaceuticals, or mass tort cases, these cases can be consolidated into a single federal district court for pretrial proceedings.

The AFFF MDLs aims to streamline the litigation process by centralizing the discovery process, reducing duplication of efforts, and ensuring consistent rulings on key legal issues.

The increase of 176 cases in the previous month illustrates the continued momentum of the AFFF MDL case.

A previous settlement deal was reached that addressed water contamination cases, but the litigation surrounding individual exposure to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is ongoing.

If you or someone you know has suffered injuries due to AFFF, it’s important to explore your legal options

TorHoerman Law is here to offer guidance and support.

Use the chatbot feature on this page to automatically determine your eligibility for the AFFF Lawsuit.

March 6, 2024

Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Plaintiffs Claim Cancer Risk

Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Plaintiffs Claim Cancer Risk; AFFF Cancer Risk; Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuit; AFFF Lawsuit

Firefighters, military personnel, chemical plant workers, and others exposed to AFFF Firefighting Foam could be at risk for developing serious, long-term health problems.

The foams, known as aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), have been used for decades to fight fires caused by highly flammable liquids and gasses.

While effective for fighting fires, AFFF also contains cancer-causing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have been tied to birth defects, heart disease, hormonal imbalances, and other complications.

Government agencies have already started working to destroy PFAS and phase out firefighting foams. Many people who have used or been exposed to AFFF at work and in their community now face complications from PFAS exposure.

These workers and their families were told that AFFF Firefighting Foam was safe, but they are now dealing with health problems and medical bills related to their exposure to PFAS.

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If you or a loved one were exposed to AFFF and later developed complications, you could be eligible for compensation for your pain and suffering.

Firefighting Foam & PFAS

Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), are the most effective material for combating fires in flammable liquids and gasses. The foam has been used for decades and helped save human lives and crucial infrastructure.

Despite its fire-fighting efficiency, AFFF have become phased out and banned in many parts of the country.

The foams contain toxic, man-made chemicals known as PFAS that are linked to environmental contamination and health complications such as cancer, heart disease, and birth defects.

Who are the Defendants in AFFF Lawsuits?

Companies that supplied AFFF firefighting foam to fire departments, military bases, airports, and others are the defendants named in AFFF lawsuits.

These companies include:

  • 3M
  • DuPont
  • Chemours
  • Tyco Fire Products
  • Chemguard Inc
  • ChemDesign Inc
  • Over a dozen other companies

What Is Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF)?

Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) are Class B firefighting foams that are used to fight high-hazard flammable liquid fires such as those caused by oil, gasoline, and jet fuel.

These foams are mixed with water to form an aqueous film that cuts off a fire’s source of oxygen, extinguishes it, and stops it from reigniting. AFFF are commonly used at fire stations, military sites, airports, and chemical manufacturing plants.

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While AFFF are highly effective in fighting high-hazard flammable liquid fires, they have also become a source of concern due to their ties to cancer diagnosis, health problems and environmental contamination.

AFFF contains synthetic chemicals known as PFAS.

AFFF Environmental Contamination

AFFF have been used by fire departments, military personnel, and many other industries since the 1970s.

The persistent use of these foams, particularly on military bases and training sites, has led to PFAS making their way into the environment and local water supplies.

PFAS water contamination has made headlines in Chicago, St. Louis, and across the country.

What is PFAS?

PFAS, meaning perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals found in many consumer and industrial products.

The most common PFAS are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). They are known for their ability to resist water, oil, and grease.

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PFAS were commonly used for:

  • Stain-resistant fabrics
  • Cleaning products
  • Non-stick cookware
  • Cleaning products
  • Paints
  • Firefighting foams (AFFF)

While effective for their intended use, growing bodies of scientific evidence have documented PFAS as a toxic substance that is likely unsafe for human health. PFAS are no longer manufactured in the United States, but continue to be found in the environment and in humans.

PFAS contamination is a huge problem in the United States, and many lawsuits have been filed over the issue.

These chemicals do not break down and remain in the water, air, and soil. High levels of exposure to PFAS have been linked to a variety of potential negative health defects including cancer.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has formed a council to “protect public health and the environment from the impacts of PFAS”, and developed a roadmap to address the issue from a governmental standpoint.

Does Firefighting Foam Contain PFAS?

PFAS are active in AFFF firefighting foam.

While some fire departments have switched to “modern fluorotelomer foams” that might be less toxic, the long shelf life of traditional, PFAS-containing AFFF means they are still stored and used at many work sites.

It’s not always easy to determine if firefighting foam contains PFAS, but it’s more likely if the ingredient list mentions C6, fluorosurfactants, or fluoroproteins.

Due to their potential toxicity, the U.S. Department of Defense is working to develop better PFAS-free AFFF alternatives.

Firefighting Foam Health Risks

Exposure to the chemicals in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) has been tied to a number of serious, sometimes life-threatening complications.

The foams contain PFAS that have been labeled a public health concern by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

Firefighting Foam Health Risks; AFFF Cancer; Firefighting foam cancer; AFFF lawsuits

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, human exposure to PFAS might be associated with:

  • Increased chances of developing cancer
  • Negative immune system functioning
  • Disruption of hormonal balance
  • Liver damage
  • Increased cholesterol
  • Fertility problems and pregnancy-induced preeclampsia/hypertension
  • Issues with fetal and child development
  • Increased risk of thyroid disease and asthma

Injuries Linked To Firefighting Foam PFAS

The chance of developing health problems due to AFFF and subsequent PFAS exposure depends on several factors including the frequency and duration of exposure.

Growing bodies of science have linked PFAS to health complications with some indicating that even low-level exposure could be dangerous for humans. PFAS can concentrate over time in the human body, with some having a half-life up to eight years.

For workers regularly exposed to firefighting foam, the risk for developing certain medical conditions is higher.

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How Does Exposure to Firefighting Foam Occur?

AFFF exposure can happen in a number of ways. Occupational exposure to firefighting foam is the most common.

The introductory information on the MDL 2873 webpage also says the following in terms of AFFF exposure:

“These cases all involve varied causes of action and claims relating to per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Plaintiffs generally allege that aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) containing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and/or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), two types of PFAS, contaminated groundwater near various military bases, airports, and other industrial sites where AFFFs were used to extinguish liquid fuel fires.”

Toxic Firefighting Foam Cancer Risk

A growing number of studies have linked the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in AFFF firefighting foam to cancer risks.

Several studies on both occupational and community PFAS exposure have found increased rates of testicular and kidney cancers.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified PFOA, a common PFAS, and potentially carcinogenic (cancer-causing) to humans.

Toxic Firefighting Foam Cancer Risk; AFFF Cancer Risk; AFFF Cancer Lawsuit; AFFF exposure

Health Problems and Cancers Linked To PFAS Contamination

Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have noted increased risks of certain cancers associated with exposure to PFAS.

AFFF Cancer Lawsuit, Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuit; AFFF Lawsuit; Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

Cancers that have been associated with PFAS chemicals include:

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

Other health problems associated with PFAS chemicals include:

  • Increased cholesterol levels
  • Changes in liver enzymes
  • Small decreases in infant birth weights
  • Decreased vaccine response in children
  • Increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women

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Research on PFAS exposure and cancer continues to develop.

As PFAS chemicals and forever chemicals remain in the environment and impact human health for decades, more extensive research is bound to be completed about its effects on our environment and health.

Who Is At Risk Of Firefighting Foam Injuries?

Civilian and military firefighters are at the highest risk of developing complications from AFFF and PFAS exposure, especially if their workplaces did not provide the United States Fire Administration’s recommended firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE).

Workers could also be at risk if they were in industries where AFFF was used to fight Class B fires such as fires at:

  • Chemical manufacturing plants
  • Airports and airlines
  • Petroleum plants

PFAS have also become a major community and environmental issue, as PFAS have contaminated the tap water of at least 16 million people in 33 states and Puerto Rico and the groundwater in 38 states.

Suffered A Firefighting Foam Injury?

Many firefighter and military families — and their neighbors — worry that years of exposure to PFAS from firefighting foams have caused long-term damage.

Others have already developed complications and injuries from using the foams at work or having their water systems contaminated.

Victims of AFFF and PFAS exposure deserve justice, and there are resources available to help.

Suffered A Firefighting Foam Injury; AFFF Lawsuit; Firefighting foam lawsuit; Firefighter foam lawsuit

If you sustained injuries or developed chemical exposure injuries and complications from using, being exposed to, or having your community contaminated by AFFF firefighting foams, there are steps you can take to better your situation.

Report Your Injury

Report and document your injuries and complications.

You should report your injuries to your local OSHA office as well as any government entities overseeing worker-related injuries and exposure complaints within your industry.

Be sure to report the exposure to your health care provider and have them conduct a thorough health screening on you.

Military veterans who developed complications they believe are from PFAS exposure during service can contact the Department of Veterans Affairs Environmental Health Coordinators and/or file a claim.

Mitigate Your Injury

It’s crucial that you mitigate your injuries and complications.

Mitigation involves seeking medical care and following your doctor’s recommendations.

Document your complications and injuries (with photos, writing, etc.) and track your doctors’ visits, medical treatments, medications, and any subsequent expenses.

This evidence will help you heal and gives you a stronger case in a potential AFFF lawsuit.

Contact A Firefighting Foam Injury Lawyer

Contact a Firefighting Foam Attorney to discuss your injuries, complications, and any other problems you might have developed due to exposure to PFAS in firefighting foams.

He or she will help you better understand your situation and if you have the potential for compensation from AFFF manufacturers, your employer, or other companies or agencies responsible for your PFAS exposure.

This will help determine if you should hire an AFFF attorney to pursue an AFFF lawsuit.

Filing an AFFF Firefighting Foam 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.

Gathering Evidence for AFFF Lawsuits

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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.

Damages In Firefighting Foam Lawsuits; AFFF lawsuit damages; firefighting foam lawsuit damages

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.

What is the AFFF MDL?

AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits have been consolidated in a multidistrict litigation (MDL 2873) in the US District Court: District of South Carolina.

Multidistrict litigation, commonly referred to as MDL, is a special federal legal procedure designed to speed the process of handling complex litigations by consolidating cases and addressing all pretrial procedures in one court.

Cases involving similar causation and injuries are consolidating them into a singular district court, ensuring that decisions and settlement amounts are consistent.

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.

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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.

If you or a loved one have developed cancer or other adverse health outcomes after being regularly exposed to fire fighting foam, you may be eligible to file an AFFF Cancer Lawsuit and seek financial compensation.

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which firefighting foams are dangerous?

    Class-B aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) are dangerous and contain PFAS chemicals that have been linked to a number of adverse health risks.

  • Is firefighting foam toxic?

    Yes, aqueous film-forming firefighting foam (AFFF) contains toxic chemicals called PFAS which are linked to a number of adverse health risks including cancer, birth defects, and chronic conditions.

  • Is AFFF a carcinogen?

    A number of studies have found that AFFF exposure may be linked to an increased risk of a number of cancers including:

    • Bladder cancer
    • Breast cancer
    • Colon cancer
    • Kidney cancer
    • Liver cancer
    • Pancreatic cancer
    • Prostate cancer
    • Rectal cancer
    • Testicle cancer
    • Thyroid cancer

  • Who is at risk for exposure to firefighting foam?

    People who may have been regularly exposed to firefighting foam are typically people whose work duties include using or transporting firefighting foam products.

    Individuals are also may suffer PFAS exposure through contaminated drinking water.

    People who are most likely to suffer from occupational exposure to PFAS in firefighting foam include:

    • Airport and military firefighters
    • Municipal firefighters
    • Industrial workers in oil refineries and other similar facilities
    • 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

  • What is the statute of limitations for AFFF Lawsuits?

    If you were ever exposed to firefighting foam and developed cancer or other medical problems, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit, regardless of when you were exposed.

    Many states and jurisdictions have rules to allow lawsuits over products that were previously unknown to cause harm.

    The statute of limitations is extended to the date that a person should have reasonably discovered the link between their diagnosis and the product(s) potentially to blame.

    Contact our law firm for more information on the statute of limitations in your AFFF Lawsuit.

  • How Can Firefighting Foam Lawyers Help Me?

    Experienced Firefighting Foam Attorneys can help you through every step of the legal process.

    The main things Firefighting Foam Lawyers can help you with are:

    • Gathering evidence for your AFFF Lawsuit.
    • Assessing your damages and the cost of being exposed to firefighting foam.
    • Determining liability for your injuries, and identifying the parties responsible for your cancer diagnosis.
    • Guiding you through the legal process, answering your questions, and working your case.
    • Working hard to achieve a settlement for your AFFF Foam Cancer Lawsuit.

  • How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Firefighting Foam Attorney?

    Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means that our Firefighting Foam Attorneys DO NOT charge for their legal representation unless your case wins.

    If you are not awarded a settlement for your AFFF Lawsuit, you do not have to pay a cent in legal fees.

Written By:
Tor Hoerman

Tor Hoerman

Owner & Attorney - TorHoerman Law

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