Air Force Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) was developed as a highly effective solution for extinguishing flammable liquid fires.

Its unique chemical properties allowed it to quickly suppress flames and prevent re-ignition by creating a protective barrier.

In collaboration with 3M, the U.S. Military began developing AFFF in the 1960s.

Following the tragic fire aboard the USS Forrestal in 1967, which claimed the lives of 134 sailors, the Navy made it mandatory for all vessels to carry AFFF firefighting foam.

This marked the beginning of widespread use of AFFF across various military branches, including the Air Force.

Over the decades, AFFF became a major tool used at military bases, airfields, aircraft carriers, and other facilities to combat flammable liquid fires.

AFFF’s Role in Combating Flammable Liquid Fires on Military Bases

Military installations, especially those involving aviation fuels and hazardous liquids, required a powerful firefighting solution.

AFFF was integral to fire safety strategies across Air Force bases and other military environments, due to its ability to suppress fires quickly and prevent them from reigniting.

From training exercises to real-life emergencies, AFFF was regularly deployed to prevent catastrophic fires and protect both personnel and property.

Extensive Use of AFFF by the U.S. Air Force

In the 1970s, AFFF became an integral part of firefighting protocols in the U.S. Air Force, used in various situations ranging from emergency responses on airfields to routine fire safety drills.

Firefighters and other military personnel were frequently exposed to the foam during daily operations.

However, the properties enabling AFFF’s effectiveness are also responsible for the growing list of health issues linked to long-term AFFF exposure.

From spills and accidents to regular handling and disposal, the risk of exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals is an ongoing issue for military personnel.

These health risks have led to numerous lawsuits from former service members, highlighting the need for greater awareness and legal action surrounding AFFF use in the military.

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) has been widely used by various industries, including the U.S. Military, since the 1960s.

Many AFFF products contain polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — synthetic, toxic chemicals that have raised influential health concerns.

These “forever chemicals” are persistent in the environment and the human body, and scientific studies have linked them to serious health risks, including various types of cancer.

Organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have all recognized the potential dangers of PFAS chemicals and continue to study their long-term effects on human health.

Pathways of Exposure for AFFF Chemicals to Enter the Body

For decades, AFFF has been used in firefighting efforts, especially by the U.S. Military in training exercises and emergency situations.

Individuals who worked closely with AFFF may have been exposed to PFAS chemicals in multiple ways:

• Inhalation of Vapors and Particles: During the application or cleanup of AFFF, individuals may have inhaled airborne particles, posing major respiratory risks.
• Direct Skin Contact: Firefighters and military personnel could have been exposed through direct contact with AFFF foam, leading to potential contamination through the skin.
• Ingestion Through Contaminated Water or Food: PFAS chemicals may have entered local groundwater sources, affecting drinking water and food supplies, potentially impacting both workers and nearby communities.

Health Risks from AFFF Chemical Exposure

Health risks linked to exposure to AFFF-related PFAS chemicals are a growing concern.

Many individuals are coming forward to pursue legal claims as they grapple with the serious health effects linked to these chemicals.

The adverse health outcomes linked to AFFF exposure include several types of cancer, such as:

• Bladder Cancer: Research indicates that the accumulation of PFAS in the bladder may lead to cancer, with concerns about DNA damage contributing to this risk.
• Kidney Cancer: Studies suggest PFAS chemicals may accumulate in the body over time, contributing to the risk of kidney cancer.
• Prostate Cancer: PFAS chemicals are known endocrine disruptors, and studies suggest a correlation between AFFF exposure and prostate cancer.
• Thyroid Cancer: Disruptions in thyroid hormone production linked to PFAS exposure raise the risk of thyroid cancer.
• Testicular Cancer: PFAS may interfere with hormonal balance, contributing to an increased risk of testicular cancer.
• Liver Cancer: PFAS compounds may disrupt liver function, potentially leading to liver cancer after prolonged exposure.
• Pancreatic Cancer: There is concern that PFAS exposure could impair pancreatic function, potentially leading to pancreatic cancer.
• Colorectal Cancer: Emerging evidence points to a link between AFFF exposure and colorectal cancer, likely due to chronic inflammation and genetic damage.

Additional Health Issues Related to PFAS Exposure

In addition to cancer, exposure to PFAS chemicals found in AFFF is associated with a range of other health issues.

These potential risks include:

• Reproductive Issues: PFAS exposure has been linked to fertility issues, pregnancy complications, and developmental abnormalities in children.
• Developmental Delays: Children exposed to PFAS chemicals may experience cognitive or motor skill delays, potentially affecting their long-term development.
• Immune System Disruption: PFAS chemicals can weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and other illnesses.
• Hormonal Imbalance: PFAS compounds may disrupt the endocrine system, leading to a range of hormone-related health problems.
• Eye and Skin Damage: Direct contact with AFFF may cause irritation or damage to the skin and eyes, with prolonged exposure leading to more severe conditions.
• Respiratory Problems: Inhalation of PFAS particles can contribute to respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, and long-term breathing difficulties.
• Neurological Challenges: PFAS exposure may be linked to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and other neurological disorders as these chemicals can cross the blood-brain barrier.

These health risks continue to be investigated, and we encourage individuals who may have been exposed to AFFF to reach out and explore their legal options.

Veterans who have experienced health issues linked to AFFF exposure may be eligible to file VA disability claims.

To qualify for VA disability compensation, veterans must demonstrate a direct connection between their military service and the health condition caused by AFFF exposure.

This can be proven with proper documentation, such as medical records, service records, and any evidence of exposure incidents — this evidence can help establish a clear link between AFFF exposure and the health issues that followed.

Filing a VA disability claim involves several steps, including completing the required forms, submitting evidence, and potentially attending medical examinations.

For veterans dealing with health complications, this process can be overwhelming.

For more information on how to file VA disability claims related to AFFF exposure, refer to our guide on how the VA disability claims process works for AFFF exposure.

The firefighting foam attorneys at TruLaw and our partner law firms provide individuals with the legal assistance they need and hold these large companies accountable.

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

As public awareness of AFFF-related health risks has grown, legal actions have been initiated.

Veterans and current military personnel exposed to AFFF may be eligible to seek legal recourse against the manufacturers of these products.

Individuals who encountered PFAS chemicals during their military service are filing AFFF lawsuits to hold manufacturers accountable for potential health damages.

These lawsuits seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional toll of illness caused by exposure.

Legal actions against AFFF manufacturers reflect the urgency of addressing the widespread impact of these chemicals.

By pursuing these cases, veterans and their families aim to secure the compensation they may be entitled to for the damages they’ve suffered.

Latest Updates and Growing Awareness

Heightened awareness of the risks associated with PFAS exposure has led to substantial changes in military protocols.

Efforts are underway to phase out AFFF and replace it with safer alternatives, reflecting a commitment to protecting military personnel.

According to the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the Department of Defense is required to phase out the use of AFFF firefighting foam at all military installations by October 1, 2024.

This initiative is paired with the transition to safer firefighting foam alternatives.

Veterans and public health organizations are actively working together to raise awareness about the health risks associated with AFFF exposure.

These joint efforts focus on research, advocacy, and providing support to those affected.

By bringing together researchers, veterans, legal experts, and public health advocates, these collaborative efforts aim to drive meaningful change, improve regulations, and help ensure that justice is achieved for those impacted by AFFF exposure.

The link between AFFF exposure and subsequent development of various cancers and health issues has become a growing concern for veterans and active military personnel alike.

Veterans affected by long-term AFFF exposure should be aware of their rights and the steps they can take to seek compensation.

Pursuing legal action promptly can make a difference in covering medical expenses and addressing other damages.

AFFF Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits are being filed by individuals who were exposed to firefighting foam and later developed cancer.

The experienced firefighting foam lawyers at TruLaw and our partner law firms work to help veterans, firefighters, and others who have been affected by AFFF exposure across the United States.

If you were exposed to AFFF during your military service and have since been diagnosed with cancer or another related health issue, you may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit.

Use the chatbot on this page to instantly determine if you qualify for an AFFF lawsuit.