Firefighting foam Victims across the United States are filing individual afff lawsuits alleging that the PFAS chemicals in the foam are causing cancer. AFFF is an extremely useful foam often utilized by firefighters because the foam quickly extinguishes hydrocarbon-fueled fires. Steer clear of an afff foam class action lawsuit because only the foam class action lawyers benefit from class actions. Victims should file individual lawsuits not Firefighter foam class action lawsuits. Historically, firefighters believed that the foam was both effective and safe and was the most effective way to put out a fire. Firefighters and residents who live near where the foam has been unleashed into the environment are now at risk of a cancer diagnosis due to the toxic chemicals in the foam.
Firefighter foam lawsuit
***This AFFF post was updated by an attorney on May 28th, 2023 so that readers can have the most up-to-date information.
AFFF lawsuit update 2023
May 18, 2023: The first bellwether trial in the massive AFFF MDL will be the matter of City of Stuart v. 3M Co., et al. The City of Stuart is a coastal town near Jupiter Florida. The city is asserting that forever chemicals in firefighting foam manufactured by corporations like DuPont and 3M infiltrated the groundwater and polluted the City’s supply of water. The companies assert that here is insufficient evidence linking the City’s water contamination to the firefighter foams. The trial will in all likelihood be a crucial event for this lawsuit. A win by the City could potentially compel the defendants to settle in a multi-billion dollar settlement.
Afff foam lawsuit
For many years and even decades, firefighters have used foam when they put out fires. Many firefighters have suffered from cancer caused by the foam. Hundreds of AFFF lawsuits have been filed in Federal and state Courts against the manufacturers of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). If you allege that you have been harmed by firefighting foam, you can pursue an AFFF lawsuit.
If you have a history or any experience as a firefighter or a commercial venture when you were exposed to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) you have a higher likelihood of a diagnosis of certain types of cancers that are linked to substances contained in AFFF. If you suffer with cancer and were exposed to the toxic foam, you should consider an AFFF foam lawsuit. An afff lawsuit will help the victim hold the manufacturers accountable and help the victims get compensation
If a child, husband / wife/ spouse, father, mother or member of your family passed away as a result of cancer after enduring AFFF exposure, the victim or the victim’s loved may be able to receive substantial compensation through an aqueous film-forming foam wrongful death lawsuit. An experienced high powered product liability lawyer with a background in toxic tort wrongful death litigation can help you get top compensation and justice. You can be assured you will not be part of a firefighter foam class action!
Many people believe that only firefighters as well as military personnel are victims of AFFF. However, there are many other types of victims of this nefarious foam.
What are the FIREFIGHTING FOAM LAWSUIT criteria?
- Exposure to Fire Fighting Foam (AFFF) and the case within the statute of limitations.
- or lived close to a military base, employed at a military base between the 1970 and 2016.
- Generally acceptable criteria is Diagnosed 2011 or after.
- Diagnosed with thyroid cancer, chronic kidney disease, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, ulcerative colitis, skin cancer, testicular cancer, leukemia, acute kidney failure, kidney cancer, lymphoma or other type of cancer.
- The afff foam was often utilized at these military bases AND the surrounding local supply of water was often determined to be tainted.
Is there an afff foam class action lawsuit or is it an AFFF mdl?
There is no afff class action. There is an afff lawsuit known as an afff mdl. Below you will find a lawsuit update.
“This multidistrict litigation is currently comprised of approximately five hundred cases pending before this Court. Additional cases are expected to be filed or transferred to this Court in the coming months. 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. The plaintiffs allege that they were caused personal injury, a need for medical monitoring, property damage or other economic loss” https://www.scd.uscourts.gov/mdl-2873/index.asp
WHAT IS FIREFIGHTING FOAM?
Firefighting foam is also known as Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). AFFF foam is rarely used to put out residential fires. The name literally explains how the substance puts out a major fire. Aqueous Film Forming Foam is utilized in places where there is a chance of a large fire. It is often available for use at airports or other venues where chemicals are located or there is a likelihood for a huge fire. In many cases, firefighters are using AFFF firefighting foam extinguishers.
Afff foam and AFFF firefighting foam extinguishers
AFFF is suppressant foam which is utilized to extinguish out of control and potentially dangerous fires. Scientists and medical personnel have linked the foam to cancer and various severe illnesses. Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is basically water and also comprised of synthetic foaming agents, various solvents, and assorted surfactants. AFFF was used for decades by the military, firefighters, businesses as well as the aviation industry.
Water will not be enough to extinguish a petroleum fueled fire
Water will not be sufficient to put out a fire fueled by highly flammable petroleum. Petroleum fueled fires spread rapidly and water alone will not do the job. When AFFF is mixed with h2o and spread onto a fuel fire, the mix creates a film like substance that cools the fire and becomes a smothering agent to the fire. This means that the fire then does not have enough oxygen to sustain the conflagrations. The flames are then extinguished in an expeditious manner. Firefighter Foam is unquestionably effective in extinguishing fuel-based fires. The utility and effectiveness is never in doubt and that is why it is do widely used.
When you see firemen and firewoman spraying firefighter foam to put out flames, that afff foam is in actuality a complicated combination of various chemicals. The foam appears safe, but in actuality it is very dangerous. The foam is dangerous because of the ingredients that are harmful.
The vast majority of the ingredients in the foam is made up of air and water. On the face of it, this appears safe and effective. Nonetheless, the third ingredient is where the problem lies. This third ingredient is known as foam concentrate. Foam concentrate is made up of various chemicals. The problem appears to be that some chemicals are a type of substance known as PFAS. Specifically, firefighting foam contains perfluorooctane acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). These PFAS chemicals are infamous for causing health issues and problems
Dangerous chemicals are necessary to put out the fire
AFFF literally smothers a fire. Firefighters spray the firefighter foam over the flames. The foam creates a thin layer that smothers the fire. This prevents the fire from emitting vapors. Eventually, the fire is deprived of the oxygen that it needs to keep going and would die out. However, in order to achieve this effect, dangerous chemicals are necessary to envelop the fire. They need a certain strength in order to form the layer that covers the fire. Specifically, they need to be resistant to heat to do their job in extreme temperatures.
What type of diseases and cancer can be caused by afff?
- thyroid cancer,
- chronic kidney disease,
- bladder cancer,
- prostate cancer,
- pancreatic cancer,
- neuroendocrine tumors,
- ulcerative colitis,
- skin cancer,
- leukemia,
- acute kidney failure,
- kidney cancer,
- lymphoma
- other type of cancer.
AFFF lawsuit updates:
“Update- BALTIMORE, MD. (Friday, November 4, 2022) – The City of Baltimore today announced the filing of a lawsuit against over 20 manufacturers of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) and certain “forever chemicals” used in those products. In solidarity with the City of Philadelphia, which also filed a similar lawsuit today, Baltimore seeks to hold DuPont, Chemours, 3M, and others accountable for knowingly allowing the City’s waterways and water systems to come into contact with these substances.” Mayor Baltimore
8/9/2022- “According to allegations raised in a lawsuit recently filed by a former Air Force firefighter, exposure to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used to fight petroleum fires throughout his career resulted in a testicular cancer diagnosis. The complaint (PDF) was brought by Gary Flook and his wife, Linda, in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina on August 4, presenting claims against several chemical and safety equipment manufacturing companies as defendants, including 3M Company, BASF Corporation, and others.” About lawsuits
2-25-22- BOSTON, AFFF Firefighter Foam lawyers “filed a products liability lawsuit today on behalf of 14 Massachusetts firefighters in the United States District Court of Massachusetts against 28 manufacturing companies, including 3M Company, DuPont, Chemguard and Tyco Fire Products.”
2-16-22- “WORCESTER, Mass. – A group of 16 firefighters, including 10 from Worcester, filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday against several chemical companies who either manufactured or used PFAs in the making of firefighting foam or gear. The firefighters allege turnout gear was extensively treated with the potentially harmful chemicals, also known as forever chemicals.” Spectrum News
2/15/2022- A distributor located in Auston Texas filed a lawsuit requesting that a Texas federal court determine that its insurance indemnity company should be required to pay for its lawyers fees and Court costs related to a multidistrict litigation asserting that the foam is unreasonably dangerous. Law 360
Purposefully discharged
The AFFF lawsuits are pursued against companies that make aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) which contain PFCs. The manufacturers allegedly were engaged in the design, sale of, and or manufacture of AFF to various organizations. These businesses and entities include; various airports, industrial processing plants that manufactures (or otherwise processes) chemicals to be used by: fire authorities, organizations which promote fire safety, and industrial type facilities.
These organizations and facilities are alleged to have purposefully discharged the AFFF into the natural world and sadly contaminate water that collects on the surface of the ground as well as water intended for drinking. The fire foam lawsuits assert that victims were exposed to elevated amounts of PFCs. Those victims have a greater likelihood to contract cancer and other severe complications.
Complications and AFFF side effects may include:
- liver damage
- immune system problems
- complications in the liver,
- high cholesterol,
- hormone related thyroid issues
- Kidney Cancer
- Other Cancers
The manufacturers of firefighter foam
There are many large chemical companies who have been in the AFFF market for decades. Some of the bigger players in the field include:
- E.I. DuPont De Nemours and Co.
- Tyco Fire Products
- Chemours
- DuPont
- 3M
- Chemguard
- Buckeye Fire Equipment Company
There are numerous other potential defendants in your AFFF foam lawsuit. It is imperative that you discover the corporation that made the firefighting foam that polluted the area in which you live or that you used on the job.
The dangers of PFAS
PFAS chemicals are called “forever chemicals,” and for good reason. Once these chemicals are introduced into an area, they are extremely difficult to remove. When they make their way into the environment, their half-life is approximately 92 years. If they enter the human body, these chemicals can last for as long as eight years. PFAS chemicals can be found in a number of different places. One of the most common areas that will be contaminated with PFAS is the water supply. Nearly all water supplies in the United States contain some levels of PFAS.
The problem with PFAS is that it is a possible carcinogen. Europe has recognized the dangers that are inherent to PFAS chemicals and has banned the substances. However, the U.S. has not taken steps to fully ban PFAS. As a result, manufacturers make products that contain this harmful chemical that can last for decades.
The use of fire fighter foam
There are two different types of people who can suffer the effects of firefighting foam. The first is firefighters who have been using this substance on the job for years. Exposed to these chemicals in large substances, their bodies can see a buildup of PFAS chemicals. Even people who live in the surrounding area where PFAS has been used are in danger of suffering side effects. This is important for people who lived on military bases where continuous firefighting drills were held. Studies showed that the chemicals from the foam polluted the area for decades as they seeped into the ground and permeated the water supply.
Department of Defense uses dangerous substances
The Department of Defense still continues to use these dangerous substances today. Since the EPA has done very little to address the problem of AFFF and PFAS chemicals, people are still being exposed to the possibility of side effects even today. Congress has directed DoD to phase out the use of AFFF, but this will not fully happen until 2024.
PFAS side effects
The most common side effect that people will experience from AFFF exposure is cancer. There are a number of cancers that can develop in people who have had prolonged exposure to the toxic substance. Here are some possible types of cancers that have been connected to AFFF:
- Kidney cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Leukemia
- Breast cancer,
- Ulcerative colitis,
- Tumors,
- Other health conditions.
In addition to cancer, Firefighting Foam has also been tied to a number of other health defects. Firefighting foam has caused cases of kidney damage in those exposed. In addition, AFFF have also been tied to cases of harm to the reproductive system. Thousands of people have had enough exposure to these chemicals that they are at risk of developing AFFF complications.
What wrongdoing the AFFF corporations are accused of
Plaintiffs across the country have filed Fire Fighting Foam lawsuits against the companies that make firefighting foam. Like many product liability cases, these lawsuits nearly all allege that the AFFF manufacturers knew full well of the danger of the products that they were selling. The lawsuits allege that these companies were aware of the harm for decades yet continued to market unsafe products when the companies should have either pulled them from the market or warned the public of the dangers. Some of the evidence points to the fact that these companies even were aware of the dangers as far back as the 1960s.
If you were affected by PFAS on a military base, you are not allowed to sue the U.S. government, Instead, you would be required to pursue a lawsuit against the company that manufactured the AFFF. For example, the chemical giant 3M has been sued by numerous plaintiffs that allege that they suffered from contaminated drinking water near the military base caused by AFFF. Each of the companies that made AFFF have been sued by numerous plaintiffs. As of now, all of the AFFF lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation that is in federal court in South Carolina. As of this writing, there have been 785 lawsuits filed that are a part of the multidistrict litigation.
Since AFFF will continue to have environmental effects for years to come, it is likely that the number of cases will continue to grow. While the multidistrict litigation is still in its early stages, the cases are proceeding towards discovery.
How you can file an AFFF lawsuit
If you were exposed to AFFF and developed cancer or an illness set forth above, you should do a consultation with a firefighting foam lawsuit lawyer. You may be able to file your own claim and might be entitled to substantial financial compensation. The best thing to do is to see an AFF lawsuit attorney as soon as possible. Your ability to file a Firefighting Foam lawsuit is subject to the statute of limitations that would start running as soon as you were diagnosed with your illness.
The Firefighting Foam attorney would review your medical documentation and discuss the facts of your case with you. The personal injury lawyer who is also a product liability attorney would work with medical experts and physicians to help prove your individual firefighting foam lawsuit. Victims of the foam are much better off avoiding an AFFF class action lawsuitt and pursuing a lucrative individual lawsuit. Many firefighter foam attorneys and lawyers also handle 3m earplug lawsuits. If you are looking for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit attorney, contact us.