AFFF Breast Cancer Lawsuit

Exposure to PFAS chemicals found in AFFF firefighting foam has been associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer and other serious health conditions.

Research has shown that certain PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” may be linked to elevated cancer risks, including breast cancer.

A meta-analysis identified specific PFAS compounds associated with higher breast cancer risks, including:

• Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)
• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
• Perfluoro-n-decanoic acid (PFDA)

In another study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, female firefighters in San Francisco were found to have a higher risk of health effects from PFAS exposure compared to women in other professions.

This highlights the potential dangers of long-term exposure to these chemicals, particularly in firefighting professions.

Common symptoms of breast cancer to watch for include, but are not limited to:

• Changes in the size or shape of the breast
• Pain or pulling in of the nipple
• Thickening or swelling in part of the breast
• Nipple discharge that isn’t breast milk (including blood)
• Redness or flaky skin near the nipple or breast area
• A new lump in the breast or underarm area
• Pain in any part of the breast
• Irritation or dimpling of the skin on the breast

Ongoing research continues to link PFAS chemicals, like PFOA and PFOS, to increased cancer risks.

Several studies have shed light on the dangers of long-term exposure to these substances:

• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) and classified PFOS as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).
• A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association found a link between PFOA exposure and increased risks of kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and ulcerative colitis.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a health advisory, warning that long-term exposure to PFOA and PFOS above certain levels could harm human health. As a result, in 2024, the EPA announced the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six (6) PFAS chemicals — establishing legally enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) that water systems must test and confirm are met before distributing drinking water to the public.
• Research published in the International Journal of Cancer highlighted a positive association between PFOS exposure and breast cancer.

While the evidence linking PFAS exposure to cancer is growing, further studies are needed to understand the long-term health effects of these chemicals fully.

Several companies are currently facing AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits over toxic chemicals found in AFFF firefighting foam products, which have been linked to cancer and other serious health conditions.

Many of these products contain PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and the human body.

Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have issued warnings regarding the dangers of AFFF firefighting foams, cautioning that exposure to PFAS chemicals may contribute to a range of health risks.

These PFAS chemicals do not break down over time, and prolonged exposure has been associated with an increased risk of cancers such as bladder, prostate, testicular, and kidney cancer, as well as other serious health problems.

Certain professions are at higher risk for health effects due to repeated exposure to firefighting foam, particularly:

• Firefighters in municipal departments
• Airport and military firefighters
• Petrochemical workers
• Military personnel involved in training with firefighting foam
• Other industrial workers with regular contact with AFFF

The companies named in AFFF lawsuits include:

• 3M
• DuPont
• Tyco Fire Products
• Chemguard Inc.
• ChemDesign Inc.
• Chemours
• And over a dozen other companies

Currently, firefighting foam lawsuits are being managed through multidistrict litigation (MDL).

There are over 4,000 individual AFFF lawsuits pending in the AFFF firefighting foam MDL, and the number continues to grow.

Though AFFF manufacturers have made attempts to dismiss the claims against them, the AFFF firefighting foam lawyers at TruLaw and our partner law firms remain optimistic about the cases moving forward.

If you believe you or a loved one may have been affected by exposure to PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam, we encourage you to reach out to TruLaw to discuss the specifics of your case.

You can use the chat on this page for an instant case evaluation to quickly see if you qualify for an AFFF lawsuit.

At this stage, it is too early to determine the average settlement amounts for AFFF lawsuits.

However, based on similar cases involving PFAS contamination, firefighting foam attorneys estimate that potential settlements could range between $20,000 and $600,000 (or more).

These figures are simply projections based on past cases and do not guarantee any specific financial compensation in the AFFF litigation.

As the legal proceedings progress, we will continue to gather more information, which will give us a clearer picture of potential settlement outcomes.

For now, our focus is on staying informed as the litigation develops and ensuring clients receive the attention their AFFF firefighting foam cases deserve.

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) has had a harmful environmental impact, particularly in relation to water contamination.

AFFF is a major contributor to PFAS pollution in drinking water, as the chemicals are highly soluble and can easily spread through water sources.

The Department of Ecology from the State of Washington recently stated that AFFF is not only a major cause of PFAS contamination in drinking water — AFFF is the leading cause of PFAS contamination in drinking water.

When used in large quantities to contain dangerous fires, AFFF can leak into surrounding areas, contaminating both groundwater and drinking water.

While many lawsuits have been filed by state governments, water districts, and local agencies over this environmental contamination, these actions focus on holding manufacturers accountable.

These legal actions represent a collective effort to address the widespread impact of AFFF contamination on water supplies.

Several states and water districts joined the AFFF litigation against AFFF manufacturers, these include:

• State of New Hampshire
• State of Ohio
• State of Michigan
• State of Vermont
• City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• City of Birmingham, Alabama
• City of Thornton, Colorado
• City of Baltimore, Maryland
• City of Pittsboro, North Carolina
• City of Fairbanks, Alaska
• City of La Crosse, Wisconsin
• City of Peshtigo, Wisconsin
• The Water Replenishment District of Southern California
• The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Various additional cities and local water agencies

It’s important to note that TruLaw is only accepting clients with AFFF personal injury claims — we are not accepting clients for the AFFF municipal water contamination lawsuits.

In light of increasing concerns over the environmental and health risks associated with AFFF, numerous organizations and agencies are working to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam.

These initiatives include transitioning to safer alternatives and phasing out AFFF entirely.

The Pentagon has been leading these efforts, announcing the development of new PFAS-free firefighting foam products intended for military use.

These alternatives, free of harmful PFAS chemicals, are expected to be implemented in the near future.

Similarly, the Federal Aviation Administration is actively researching replacements for AFFF in airports nationwide, focusing on safer, PFAS-free formulas.

The U.S. Department of Defense has also laid out a roadmap to phase out AFFF, with advancements in firefighting technologies introduced in 2022.

These collective efforts reflect an increasing commitment to addressing the dangers posed by PFAS, working toward reducing exposure and safeguarding public health.

If you or a loved one have been exposed to PFAS chemicals from Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and developed cancer or related health conditions, you may be eligible to seek compensation through an AFFF lawsuit.

To explore your options, reach out to us for more information by using the chat on this page for an instant case evaluation and quickly find out if you may qualify to file an AFFF lawsuit.

Collecting Evidence for AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

Gathering sufficient evidence is a key step in filing an AFFF lawsuit.

The AFFF lawyers at TruLaw and our partner law firms will assist in determining which types of evidence are necessary to support your claim.

Common forms of evidence in these cases include:

• Medical records
• Cancer diagnosis documentation
• Personal history of AFFF exposure
• Witness statements and personal testimonies
• Employment records showing potential AFFF exposure
• Any other documents verifying exposure to firefighting foam

Compensation for Damages in Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

Damages in an AFFF cancer lawsuit refer to the various losses, both economic and non-economic, experienced as a result of PFAS exposure.

AFFF lawyers will help assess your damages and calculate a demand for compensation from the responsible parties.

Potential damages may include:

• Medical bills and healthcare costs
• Lost wages due to illness or recovery time
• Permanent disability resulting from exposure
• Future medical expenses (such as long-term treatment or therapy)
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
• Loss of earning capacity
• Reduced quality of life or enjoyment of life
• Other compensatory or punitive damages

Importance of Hiring Experienced Firefighting Foam Attorneys for Your Claim

Choosing the right legal team is an important decision when pursuing an AFFF claim.

The AFFF lawyers at TruLaw and our partner law firms, are dedicated to ensuring that clients receive thorough and compassionate legal support.

AFFF lawsuits often involve life-altering conditions, such as cancer and other serious health issues.

We understand the challenges that arise from these hardships, and TruLaw is committed to protecting your best interests throughout the process.

When deciding on legal representation for your AFFF claim, it’s important to select attorneys who will advocate for your right to fair compensation and guide you through every step of the litigation process.

Use the chat on this page for an instant case evaluation to quickly determine if you qualify to file an AFFF lawsuit.

TruLaw is dedicated to helping individuals explore their legal options for damages they’ve endured due to AFFF exposure.

Firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals has been linked to serious health risks, including various types of cancer.

If you or a loved one has experienced health issues after regular exposure to firefighting foam, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation.

We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions about your potential case.

Our team is here to guide you through the process — you can use the chat on this page for an instant case evaluation to quickly determine if you qualify to file an AFFF lawsuit.