How Do AFFF Lawsuit Tiers Work in the Firefighting Foam Lawsuit?

What are AFFF and PFAS Chemicals?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are a large group of synthetic chemicals recognized for their persistence in the environment and resistance to degradation.

PFAS have been widely used in various applications due to their water-resistant and non-stick properties, making them a staple in products like non-stick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, and, notably, firefighting foams.

Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) are a specific type of firefighting foam that contains PFAS, designed to quickly suppress flammable liquid fires.

However, the use of AFFF, especially in military bases and airports, has led to significant environmental contamination, impacting water sources and food chains​.

AFFF Foam and PFAS Contamination

AFFF, or aqueous film-forming foam, is a specialized firefighting foam that creates a barrier to extinguish fuel fires rapidly.

While effective in firefighting, AFFF contains PFAS compounds, leading to environmental contamination concerns as these chemicals persist and spread far from the initial application site.

Here are some key points regarding AFFF and PFAS contamination:

• AFFF Firefighting Foam: Used primarily by military and firefighting services for liquid fires.
• Aqueous Film-Forming Foam: The foam forms a barrier, preventing oxygen from fueling fires.
• Environmental Persistence: PFAS in AFFF do not easily break down, remaining in the environment for decades.
• Bioaccumulation: PFAS compounds accumulate in fish and other aquatic species, affecting human and ecological health.
• Health Risks: Linked to adverse health outcomes, PFAS pose risks to communities through water and food chain contamination.

Studies have found PFAS contamination in fish up to 8 kilometers from known AFFF sources, highlighting the chemicals’ extensive reach and lasting impact on ecosystems​.

Legal Actions Taken Against AFFF Manufacturers

In recent years, AFFF manufacturers have faced numerous lawsuits as awareness of PFAS-related health risks has grown.

Legal actions aim to hold these manufacturers accountable for environmental and health damages associated with PFAS contamination.

These lawsuits seek compensation and address claims that manufacturers were aware of the risks posed by PFAS but failed to take adequate safety measures.

Below are some primary aspects of the litigation against AFFF manufacturers:

• AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits: Claims brought by individuals and municipalities over contamination.
• Firefighting Foam Lawsuits: Address contamination of water sources affecting residential areas.
• AFFF Litigation: Focuses on alleged negligence by manufacturers regarding PFAS risks.
• Health-Related Claims: Lawsuits include claims for health issues, such as cancer and immune system disorders.
• Environmental Impact: Many cases highlight the widespread environmental damage and the costs of cleanup efforts.
• Accountability and Compensation: Plaintiffs seek to cover the costs of medical treatment, monitoring, and cleanup.

These legal actions underscore the responsibility of AFFF manufacturers to address PFAS-related contamination issues and compensate affected communities.

The outcome of these lawsuits may influence regulations and the production practices surrounding PFAS and firefighting foams in the future.

Health Risks Associated with AFFF Exposure

Exposure to aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is linked to various health risks, particularly for those in professions with regular AFFF contact, such as firefighters.

PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in organisms.

Despite declining in concentration over distance from a contamination source, PFAS levels in fish remain high enough to exceed health guidelines, highlighting the importance of monitoring PFAS exposure in watersheds affected by AFFF​​.

Types of Cancer Linked to PFAS Exposure

Studies have consistently linked PFAS exposure, particularly through AFFF, to an increased risk of several types of cancer.

Individuals exposed to PFAS through firefighting foam may be eligible to pursue firefighting foam cancer lawsuits to seek compensation for damages.

Additionally, AFFF cancer lawsuits offer avenues for legal redress, given the substantial body of evidence correlating PFAS to cancers such as kidney and testicular cancer.

The persistence of PFAS chemicals in the environment means exposure risks extend well beyond the immediate area of contamination, affecting broader communities and ecosystems.

Other Health Risks of AFFF Exposure

Beyond cancer, exposure to AFFF poses other serious health concerns.

This exposure encompasses a range of toxic chemicals known to disrupt metabolic, immune, and hormonal systems.

Here are additional health risks associated with AFFF exposure:

• Immune system suppression
• Liver damage and potential for elevated cholesterol levels
• Developmental delays in infants and children
• Increased risk of thyroid disease and hypertension in pregnant women
• Reduced vaccine efficacy and increased infection susceptibility

Occupational exposure to toxic chemicals in AFFF, especially in environments where firefighting foam is used extensively, makes monitoring PFAS levels critical for protecting at-risk populations.

AFFF Exposure in the Military

AFFF exposure is a critical health issue within the military due to the extensive use of firefighting foams containing PFAS chemicals at bases across the country.

The use of AFFF firefighting foams is common in training and emergency response situations across all military branches—Navy, Army, Marines, and Air Force.

These foams, containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), were initially valued for their effectiveness in quickly extinguishing fuel-based fires, particularly around aircraft and high-risk fuel storage areas.

However, it is now well-documented that PFAS chemicals remain in the environment and accumulate in water sources and biological tissues, creating long-term contamination risks​​.

Exposure by Branch: Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force

Each military branch has historically used supplied AFFF firefighting foam in fire suppression systems, training exercises, and emergency responses.

As a result:

• Navy: Naval bases, often located along coastlines and near populous areas, have high contamination risks from PFAS as foams are frequently used in ship and aircraft operations.
• Army: Army facilities, particularly those involved in vehicle maintenance and fueling operations, face similar exposure risks due to routine use of AFFF.
• Marines: Marine Corps bases also rely on AFFF, especially around airstrips and vehicle depots, further exposing soldiers and surrounding communities.
• Air Force: Due to extensive airfield operations, the Air Force has widespread AFFF use, leading to PFAS contamination at numerous air bases.

In each branch, the handling and deployment of AFFF has led to both immediate and sustained exposure to PFAS for military personnel and nearby residents, often with limited mitigation efforts available.

PFAS Chemicals Discovered at Military Bases Nationwide

PFAS contamination from AFFF firefighting foams has been identified at hundreds of military bases across the United States.

PFAS compounds in these foams are highly persistent, leading to environmental contamination that extends miles beyond the original point of use.

For communities surrounding military installations, these chemicals have infiltrated drinking water sources and local ecosystems.

Studies highlight that PFAS levels in fish, surface water, and groundwater often exceed health guidelines, signaling a need for enhanced monitoring and intervention.

Consequently, communities and veterans impacted by AFFF exposure at these sites may have grounds for legal action, as AFFF contamination poses significant public health risks.

Manufacturers of AFFF and Modern Alternatives

The production and widespread use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) has been primarily driven by several large chemical manufacturers who supplied the military, airports, and fire departments across the United States.

While AFFF was initially praised for its firefighting effectiveness, especially in high-risk fuel and aircraft fires, recent research on PFAS contamination has led to significant allegations against these manufacturers.

The environmental persistence of PFAS compounds in AFFF and their harmful effects on health and ecosystems have become the foundation for numerous lawsuits, urging these companies to be held accountable for the contamination caused by their products.

Allegations Against AFFF Manufacturers

AFFF manufacturers, including major chemical corporations, face significant legal challenges as the link between PFAS exposure and serious health risks becomes increasingly evident.

AFFF firefighting foam cases center around the failure of these companies to warn users of the potential risks associated with PFAS.

Many AFFF lawsuits allege that manufacturers knew of the environmental and health dangers of PFAS but continued production without adequate safety warnings or alternatives.

These lawsuits aim to secure compensation for individuals suffering from PFAS-related health issues, including various cancers and immune disorders, and to address the long-term environmental impacts of AFFF usage.

Phasing Out AFFF Firefighting Foam Use

With mounting evidence against PFAS-laden firefighting foam, there is a concerted effort to phase out AFFF in favor of safer, non-PFAS alternatives.

Several countries and states have started to implement bans or restrictions on AFFF usage, while the U.S. Department of Defense has committed to replacing AFFF with environmentally friendly options by 2024.

These alternative foams are designed to meet firefighting standards without the health and environmental risks associated with PFAS, marking a critical shift toward safer firefighting practices.

The transition reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect firefighters, military personnel, and communities from prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals, prioritizing sustainable solutions in fire safety.

TruLaw: Your Firefighting Foam Toxic Exposure Law Firm

AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits are being filed by individuals across the country who were exposed to toxic chemicals found in film forming foam AFFF and subsequently developed cancer or other adverse health effects.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the AFFF litigation.

A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your AFFF lawsuit include:

• If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The AFFF attorneys at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
• Expertise: Our legal team has years of experience handling chemical exposure cases similar to the AFFF litigation, which helps us anticipate what we can expect to see in your case and the regulations we will be required to meet.
• Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

If you or a loved one were exposed to toxic firefighting foam and subsequently diagnosed with cancer or experiencing serious health risks, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for the AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit today.