AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit: What You Need to Know
For decades, the manufacturers of AFFF (also known as firefighting foam) have used toxic chemicals, which scientific studies have linked to severe health problems, including various forms of cancer.
Quick Links
- What Does AFFF Foam Do?
- AFFF Exposure, PFAS Chemicals, & Human Health Effects
- Do I Qualify for the AFFF Foam Lawsuits?
- What Should I Do if I Have Been Exposed to AFFF?
- What AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawyers Can Do for You
- What Can Victims Expect From an AFFF Foam Lawsuit Settlement?
- Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Update
- AFFF Firefighting Foam FAQs
If you or a loved one were exposed to firefighting foam while on the job and have been recently diagnosed with cancer, you may be eligible for compensation through a class-action lawsuit. That may include reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages if you qualify.
The firefighting foam attorneys of the Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP are available to represent new clients in the national AFFF class-action lawsuit.
On this page, we will explore:
- Who is at risk for AFFF exposure and increased risk of cancer
- Who qualifies for a firefighting foam lawsuit
- The current status of the AFFF firefighting foam cancer lawsuit
What Does AFFF Foam Do?
Aqueous film forming foam, or AFFF, is a powerful fire suppressant used by firefighters to extinguish flammable liquid pool fires. The foam works by forming a barrier between the fire and the oxygen it requires to burn. Since the 1960s, it has been widely used by airport and military firefighters to put out jet fuel and petroleum fires.
AFFF Exposure, PFAS Chemicals, & Human Health Effects
AFFF contains perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Together, these artificial chemical compounds are known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).
Because they don’t easily break down in the environment and the human body, PFAS are known as “forever chemicals.” Recent scientific studies have established PFAS in firefighting foam as a likely human carcinogen linked to various cancers. These include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer.
Who is at risk for PFAS exposure?
Firefighters and military personnel with occupational exposure to AFFF firefighting foam face the most significant risk for PFAS exposure. Wherever workers routinely used the foam, they could have received toxic exposure through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation during firefighting.
Did you know?
“Exposure to high levels of certain PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes.”
Do I Qualify for the AFFF Foam Lawsuits?
We are currently evaluating new clients to represent in the national AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits. If you meet the following two criteria, you may be eligible to join the lawsuit:
Occupational Exposure to Firefighting Foam: You must have had regular or significant exposure to firefighting foam during your job. If you are a current or former firefighter, military member, or airport worker who worked with firefighting foam regularly, you might qualify.
Cancer Diagnosis: You must have been diagnosed with any of the following types of cancer after your exposure to firefighting foam:
- Prostate cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Breast cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lymphoma
- Thyroid cancer
What Should I Do if I Have Been Exposed to AFFF?
If you or someone you love developed cancer after being exposed to firefighting foam, talking to a doctor about the potential health effects is critical. You should then contact one of our experienced firefighting foam lawyers at the Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP.
We offer free consultations to those who believe they may be eligible for compensation through a class-action lawsuit.
During your free case evaluation, we will:
- Help you understand your legal options
- Review your case and answer any questions you may have
- Discuss the possibility of joining the class-action lawsuit against firefighting foam manufacturers
There is no obligation to hire our firm after your consultation. If you decide to move forward with your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if we win compensation for you.
What AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawyers Can Do for You
Filing a successful AFFF lawsuit can be complex. Every case is unique, and our team of experienced lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
When you work with the Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP our team will:
- Gather evidence about your medical and occupational history linked to your exposure to toxic AFFF foam chemicals.
- File your paperwork to join the AFFF lawsuit
- Negotiate with the AFFF manufacturer on your behalf for the maximum possible settlement
- Fight for you in court, if necessary, to secure a verdict in your favor
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our AFFF firefighting foam lawyers. We will review your case and help you understand your legal options. Call us at (212) 897-1988 or fill out our online form.
There are statutes of limitations that apply to these cases — so it’s essential to act quickly.
What Can Victims Expect From an AFFF Foam Lawsuit Settlement?
Because lawsuit settlements depend on various factors, it’s hard to assess the potential value of your firefighting foam case. For example, amounts may depend on the severity of injuries, the amount of AFFF exposure, the cost of medical expenses, and other-case specific details.
But based on prior mass tort cases, the settlement value of a valid toxic exposure claim could range anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000. Some settlement amounts could be higher.
Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Update
According to The Legal Examiner, a news site tracking the status of firefighting foam lawsuits nationwide, hundreds of current and former firefighters have joined the lawsuit against AFFF manufacturers. The suit names 25 companies as defendants, including prominent chemical manufacturers such as DuPont, 3M, and Tyco Fire Products.
In 2018, a panel of federal judges consolidated all AFFF lawsuits against foam manufacturers under one multidistrict litigation (MDL) under the South Carolina federal court. And as of April 15, 2022, there were 2,422 plaintiffs in the MDL.
Do you or a family member potentially qualify for the litigation? If so, set up a free consultation with the firefighting foam cancer lawyers at Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP.
We have decades of experience fighting for the rights of those exposed to toxic chemicals, and we can help you secure the compensation you deserve if you qualify for an AFFF foam cancer lawsuit. Fill out our online form or call us today at (212)89-1988 to set up your free consultation.
AFFF Firefighting Foam FAQs
Does AFFF cause cancer?
There is mounting evidence that suggests exposure to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) may increase the risk of certain types of cancer.
AFFF firefighting foam contains several chemicals known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Various National Cancer Institute (NCI) studies have linked PFAS exposure to multiple adverse health effects, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, ovarian and endometrial cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and thyroid disease. And the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) describes PFAS exposure as “linked to cancer and other health effects.”
Is PFAS still used in firefighting foam?
While public awareness of the dangers of PFAS is at an all-time high, Congress has not yet passed legislation to designate PFAS as a hazardous substance. That move would direct the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prohibit its use in manufacturing.
The good news is several states have passed legislation limiting the use of firefighting foams containing PFAS. Meanwhile, the EPA has developed a “PFAS Strategic Roadmap.” It includes initiatives to expand public education on the dangers of PFAS, restrict their use, and clean up environmental contamination caused by them. The Department of Defense is also working to limit AFFF health risks through remediation of PFAS contamination on military bases and replacing firefighting foam with less dangerous chemicals.
What are the long-term effects of firefighting foam?
According to the EPA, exposure to PFAS, a group of manufactured chemicals commonly contained in toxic firefighting foam, may be harmful to human health. PFAS can permeate groundwater and soil and have contaminated drinking water supplies in cities across the US.
Peer-reviewed scientific research has established that exposure to PFAS in high concentrations may lead to:
- Increased risk of certain cancers — including kidney cancer, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer
- Pregnancy complications and decreased fertility in women
- Developmental delays in children, including low birth weights
- Reduced immune system response
- Increased cholesterol levels and obesity risk
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