AFFF/PFAS Claims
Our office currently represents individuals who have developed serious health conditions after exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals found in AFFF firefighting foam.
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam that has been widely used for decades by the United States military, airports, and industrial facilities. AFFF is highly effective at suppressing fuel-based fires, which is why it became a standard tool in firefighting operations.
Many AFFF products contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of man-made chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals.” PFAS do not break down naturally and can accumulate in the human body over time.
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to several serious health conditions, including certain cancers and gastrointestinal diseases. Individuals most commonly exposed to AFFF or PFAS include firefighters, military personnel, and individuals who lived or worked near military bases, airports, or other facilities where firefighting foam was regularly used. In many cases, exposure occurred through contaminated drinking water.
Scientific studies have shown that long-term PFAS exposure may increase the risk of developing conditions such as kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, colon cancer, and ulcerative colitis.
Manufacturers of AFFF products are alleged to have known about the risks associated with PFAS exposure but failed to adequately warn users and the public. As a result, thousands of claims have been filed against manufacturers of AFFF products, and litigation is ongoing in federal court.
AFFF & PFAS Exposure
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam that has been widely used by the military, airports, and industrial facilities for decades. Many AFFF products contain PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment or the human body.
Over time, PFAS exposure can accumulate and has been linked to serious health risks. Individuals may have been exposed through direct contact with firefighting foam or through contaminated drinking water near military bases, airports, and training sites.
Health Risks
Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to several serious medical conditions. These may include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, colon cancer, and ulcerative colitis.
Because PFAS can remain in the body for long periods of time, symptoms and diagnoses may occur years after the initial exposure. Many individuals were unaware they had been exposed until health issues developed.
Lawsuits
As a result of PFAS exposure, thousands of lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of AFFF products. These cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in federal court.
The lawsuits allege that manufacturers knew about the risks associated with PFAS but failed to adequately warn users, including military personnel, firefighters, and the public.
AFFF & PFAS Lawsuits
There have been numerous lawsuits filed related to AFFF firefighting foam and its alleged link to cancer and other serious health conditions. Here are some key developments:
- Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of AFFF products, including major chemical companies, alleging that PFAS exposure caused serious illnesses such as cancer and ulcerative colitis.
- These cases have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in federal court to streamline proceedings and handle common issues across claims.
- The lawsuits allege that manufacturers knew for years that PFAS chemicals could pose significant health risks but failed to adequately warn users, including firefighters, military personnel, and nearby communities.
- In recent years, several large settlements have been reached between manufacturers and public water systems over PFAS contamination, with billions of dollars allocated to address water contamination claims.
- Individual personal injury claims for those diagnosed with cancer or other conditions after exposure are ongoing and continue to be actively litigated.
Who Can File a Suit?
Individuals who filed claims related to AFFF or PFAS exposure generally include those who were exposed to firefighting foam or contaminated water and were later diagnosed with certain cancers or medical conditions.
This has included firefighters, military service members, and individuals who lived or worked near military bases, airports, or industrial facilities where AFFF was regularly used.
In many cases, exposure occurred over time and was not immediately known. Some individuals were exposed through contaminated drinking water, while others experienced repeated occupational exposure.
These claims are part of ongoing litigation involving manufacturers of AFFF products and their alleged failure to warn about the risks associated with PFAS exposure.