AFFF Thyroid Cancer Lawsuit

Recent Study Shows Association Between PFOS, AFFF & Thyroid Cancer

A recent study published on October 24, 2023, has found a significant association between higher levels of linear per fluoro-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and an increased risk of thyroid cancer.

The study was conducted by researchers and published in eBioMedicine, a Lancet journal, reported a 56% increase in the risk of thyroid cancer among individuals with elevated levels of linear PFOS in their blood

Key findings from the research on PFAS exposure and thyroid cancer risk include:

• This research involved 88 patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer and 88 healthy controls, matched on various demographic and health-related factors.
• A 56% increase in thyroid cancer risk was observed among individuals with elevated blood levels of linear PFOS.
• There is strong biological plausibility linking PFAS exposure to thyroid cancer risk, with PFOA classified as a 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans)

These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence suggesting that PFAS exposure may be a risk factor for thyroid cancer, although further research is needed to understand the relationship and establish causality.

This study’s implications are significant for ongoing legal actions related to AFFF exposure, as it strengthens the link between PFAS exposure and thyroid cancer.

This could potentially benefit plaintiffs in AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits by providing scientific evidence to support claims of health damages due to PFAS exposure.

Legal Grounds for AFFF Lawsuits

The initiation of AFFF lawsuits is grounded on allegations that exposure to certain firefighting foams has led to thyroid cancer and other health issues, with litigants seeking compensation for personal injuries and environmental harm.

Personal Injury Claims Due to AFFF

Litigation surrounding aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) has been proliferating across the United States due to the alleged link between AFFF exposure and thyroid cancer.

These lawsuits include individual personal injury claims related to toxic exposure from AFFF:

• Causation: Plaintiffs must demonstrate a direct link between their thyroid cancer and exposure to AFFF.
• Negligence: The claim often hinges on whether the defendants exercised due care in manufacturing and distributing AFFF and adequately warned about the risks.

Toxic exposure to substances in AFFF has been associated with adverse health outcomes, necessitating a thorough investigation by legal and medical experts to establish causation.

Environmental and Water Contamination Claims

The central argument in these lawsuits is that manufacturers and other entities failed to warn users about the risks associated with AFFF, known for their environmental persistence and potential to harm human health.

Environmental and water contamination claims are also being raised as part of the AFFF litigation:

• Violation of Regulations: The plaintiffs argue that the contamination of municipal water supplies with PFAS contravenes standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Claims for Remediation: Municipalities and other parties are pursuing damages to fund the extensive cleanup of contaminated water sources, aiming to hold responsible parties accountable for the costs associated with addressing municipal water contamination.

The contamination claims to underscore the broader implications of AFFF use beyond individual health, reflecting concerns over the persistence of PFAS chemicals in the environment.

Ongoing AFFF Lawsuits and Settlements

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has been used for decades as a firefighting agent.

However, recent studies have linked AFFF to serious health risks, leading to a surge in lawsuits and litigation.

Recent AFFF Litigation Cases and MDLs

The judicial domain has witnessed a notable rise in AFFF lawsuits attributed to the suspected connection between the firefighting foam and instances of thyroid cancer.

Detailed insights into this evolving scenario include:

• Multidistrict Litigation (MDL): The AFFF multidistrict litigation consolidates numerous cases to streamline pre-trial processes, enhancing efficiency across the board.
• Class Action Lawsuits: Several class action lawsuits have been filed, grouping together individuals claiming harm from toxic exposure due to AFFF.
• Bellwether Trials: Scheduled to set precedents, bellwether trials in AFFF litigation aim to guide the direction of future case resolutions.
• Defendant Spectrum: The litigation involves a wide range of defendants, including major corporations like 3M and DuPont, highlighting the broad scope of accountability.

AFFF Settlement Amounts and Compensation

Financial aspects of AFFF litigation present a wide spectrum, with settlement and compensation amounts varying based on the specificities of each case.

Key insights into the financial landscape of AFFF settlements include:

• Expected Ranges: While a global settlement has not been finalized, estimated settlement amounts in AFFF lawsuits range from $40,000 to over $300,000.
• Factors Influencing Compensation: The compensation awarded to plaintiffs is deeply influenced by individual case strengths, the level of exposure, and the resulting health impacts.
• Recent Settlement Offers: 3M’s proposal of a $10 billion settlement in June 2023 to resolve litigation underscores the significant financial stakes involved.
• Compensation Categories: Settlement tiers may categorize plaintiffs based on their case specifics, with top-tier cases potentially involving long-term exposure and severe cancer types.

AFFF lawsuits and settlements address the health risks linked to firefighting foam exposure, emphasizing the need for accountability and remediation for those affected.

The Role of Lawyers in AFFF Lawsuits

In cases of exposure to Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), experienced lawyers play a crucial role from the initial consultation to the resolution of the lawsuit.

Selecting Experienced Firefighting Foam Lawyers

Choosing an experienced legal team is pivotal for navigating from initial consultations to the resolution of the lawsuit.

The expertise and approach of your legal representatives can significantly impact the journey and outcome of your case.

Here are essential aspects to keep in mind:

1. Expertise in Toxic Tort Law: Lawyers with specialized knowledge in toxic tort law are better equipped to navigate the intricacies of AFFF litigation. Their understanding of the legal and scientific aspects related to toxic exposure cases can be invaluable.
2. Track Record of Success: A law firm’s history of securing favorable verdicts or settlements in similar cases can be a good indicator of its capability to manage an AFFF lawsuit successfully.
3. Personalized Legal Strategy: It’s important to work with a legal team that tailors its approach based on the unique aspects of your case, ensuring personalized attention and strategy.
4. Client Support and Resources: Opt for attorneys who provide comprehensive support and have access to the necessary resources, including expert witnesses and investigators, to strengthen your case.

If you’ve suffered from thyroid cancer after exposure to AFFF, you may be eligible to take legal action.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to find out if you qualify to file an AFFF thyroid cancer lawsuit.

The Legal Process of Filing an AFFF Lawsuit

It’s important to understand the procedural steps involved in filing an AFFF lawsuit as it can accelerate the process for potential plaintiffs.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

1. Initial Case Review: This first step involves evaluating the viability of your claim in detail, including the extent of exposure and related health issues, by AFFF lawyers such as those at TruLaw.
2. Filing the Lawsuit: If your case is deemed strong and viable, your legal team will advance it by formally filing a complaint against the responsible parties in the appropriate court.
3. Discovery and Evidence Gathering: After a case is filed, both parties participate in the discovery process, exchanging information and gathering evidence to support their respective positions.

By carefully selecting experienced legal counsel and understanding the process of filing an AFFF lawsuit, individuals affected by toxic exposure can effectively seek justice and compensation.

The services provided by an AFFF lawyer from TruLaw are indispensable in guiding plaintiffs through a resolution that acknowledges their sufferings and losses.

Target Defendants and Chemical Manufacturers

In the AFFF Thyroid Cancer Lawsuits context, various entities have been identified as defendants due to their roles in manufacturing and providing AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) products.

These manufacturers are facing legal scrutiny for the potential health risks their products have posed to users.

Chemical Manufacturers and AFFF Providers

Tyco Fire Products is one of the primary defendants in the AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits.

They are known for producing firefighting foams that allegedly contain hazardous chemicals linked to increased cancer risks in individuals exposed to the substances.

Key players include Tyco Fire Products, known for producing AFFF linked to health risks, including:

• Chemical Manufacturers: Companies such as 3M and Dupont are significant players in producing chemicals used in AFFF formulations.
• AFFF Manufacturers: Apart from the key players, several other manufacturers supply AFFF products to various industries, including airports and military operations.
• Other manufacturers: These entities might be smaller in scale than Tyco, 3M, or Dupont, but they potentially share responsibility for the alleged health risks.

The litigation targets these entities for their role in potentially exposing individuals to harmful chemicals through the use of AFFF firefighting foam MDL.

Cancer Tracking and AFFF Exposure

The connection between Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) and cancer development is complicated, requiring careful tracking and analysis through various registries.

State and National Cancer Registries

To grasp the scope of cancer cases possibly linked to AFFF exposure, both state and national cancer registries play pivotal roles.

These registries compile and analyze data, providing insights crucial for understanding the patterns and impact of this exposure:

• Local Data Collection: State cancer registries collect data regarding cancer diagnoses, including incidences among populations potentially affected by AFFF, allowing for monitoring trends at a local level.
• National Epidemiological Studies: At the national level, registries serve broader epidemiological studies, contributing to understanding the link between occupational AFFF exposure and cancer development.

Military and Civilian Firefighter Health Tracking

The health tracking of military and civilian firefighters is critical, given their heightened risk of exposure to AFFF and its potential carcinogenic effects.

Initiatives like the National Firefighter Registry are key to this tracking effort:

• Establishment of a Vital Registry: The National Firefighter Registry, established by the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, is vital in tracking cancer incidents among military and civilian firefighters.
• Monitoring Unique Occupational Hazards: Military firefighters are subject to unique occupational hazards, and their health outcomes, including cancer incidences, are closely monitored to assess the implications of AFFF exposure.

PFAS Chemicals and AFFF Foam

Lawsuits related to AFFF, or aqueous film-forming foam, frequently center around the hazardous impacts of PFAS chemicals, which are commonly utilized in firefighting foams.

These legal cases emphasize the crucial importance of understanding the frequency of such substances in firefighting applications and the health hazards linked to their exposure.

The Prevalence of PFAS in Firefighting Foams

PFAS, or per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals extensively utilized in producing AFFF due to their ability to extinguish flammable liquid fires effectively.

The characteristics of PFAS chemicals include:

• Resistance to heat and chemical reactions.
• Ability to form a film that suffocates fires.

Firefighting foams containing PFAS have been used regularly in both civilian and military firefighting operations, with significant applications at airports, industrial sites, and military bases.

Health Effects of PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been linked to a variety of adverse health effects.

It is essential to understand these risks:

• Thyroid Cancer Risk: Scientific studies indicate an increased risk of thyroid cancer among individuals exposed to certain PFAS compounds.
• Hormonal Disruptions and Immune System Impairments: Other potential health issues include hormonal disruptions and immune system impairments.

Ongoing AFFF personal injury cases have underscored the correlation between PFAS exposure and the development of these severe health conditions.

Efforts to Regulate and Phase Out PFAS

Governments and regulatory agencies have been working towards controlling the use of PFAS in firefighting foams.

Here’s what they’ve been doing:

• Regulatory Measures: Governments and regulatory agencies have been working towards controlling the use of PFAS in firefighting foams by implementing regulations to limit the presence of PFAS in consumer and industrial products.
• Promotion of Safer Alternatives: Additionally, they are encouraging the development and adoption of safer alternatives to traditional AFFF formulations.

The aim is to reduce exposure to PFAS and prevent future harm while maintaining effective firefighting capabilities.

If you’ve suffered from thyroid cancer after exposure to AFFF, you may be eligible to take legal action.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to find out if you qualify to file an AFFF thyroid cancer lawsuit.

Implications for Special Populations

The AFFF Thyroid Cancer Lawsuits highlight significant health concerns for certain populations, particularly those near military operations and firefighters.

These groups experience higher occupational exposure to firefighting foams containing PFAS, which have been linked to thyroid cancer risk.

Impacts on Communities Near Military Bases

Military firefighters routinely use aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) during their drills and in responding to fire emergencies.

Research conducted on communities near these military bases shows:

• Proximity to Military Bases: Residents living close to military bases may face higher concentrations of PFAS in their environment due to AFFF usage.
• Water Contamination: Ground and drinking water contamination can occur, potentially increasing the risk of thyroid cancer and other health issues for neighboring communities.

The Increased Risk for Firefighters

Firefighters, especially those working for the military, encounter AFFF more frequently, leading to substantial occupational exposure to the chemicals present in the foam.

Key considerations include:

• National Fire Protection Association guidelines: They address the exposure risks, but cases of non-compliance or insufficient protective measures can intensify the risk.
• Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits: Firefighters have initiated legal actions, with claims including not only thyroid cancer but also kidney cancer and other health complications allegedly stemming from AFFF exposure.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Despite PPE usage, studies suggest potential absorption of PFAS through gear, further contributing to an elevated risk of developing cancer.

Both subpopulations, communities near military installations and firefighters, face a unique set of challenges due to AFFF exposure, with legal and health repercussions that are only beginning to be fully understood.