Which AFFF Manufacturers Are Named In The AFFF Lawsuits?

AFFF Manufacturers Involved in the AFFF Firefighting Foam MDL

The widespread use of AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) in firefighting has become a growing concern due to the potential health risks linked to its chemical components.

Ongoing litigation has brought attention to the dangers associated with exposure to AFFF, particularly the elevated risk of developing cancer.

Who Are the Defendants in These Lawsuits?

Several major manufacturers of AFFF have been named as defendants in the ongoing AFFF multi-district litigation (MDL).

These companies, many of which are well-known in both industrial and consumer markets, have been among the largest producers of AFFF over the years.

The list of defendants includes:

• 3M
• DuPont
• Chemours
• Tyco Fire Products
• Corteva Incorporated
• BASF Corporation
• Arkema Incorporated
• Dynax Corporation
• Chubb National Foam Incorporated
• UTC Fire & Security Americas
• AGC Chemicals Americas
• Kidde-Fenwal
• Clariant Corporation
• Carrier Global Corporation

Why Are These Manufacturers Being Sued?

These manufacturers face litigation due to their alleged role in exposing the public to harmful chemicals.

The lawsuits claim that these companies were aware of the health risks posed by AFFF’s toxic chemicals but did not take adequate steps to mitigate the dangers.

The core accusations revolve around two main claims:

1. Knowledge without Action: The defendants allegedly knew about the potential health risks associated with AFFF but failed to take appropriate action to protect the public.
2. Failure to Warn: The manufacturers did not provide sufficient warnings regarding the dangers of their products, leaving individuals exposed to serious risks.

Potential Outcomes of the Ongoing AFFF Litigation

If the AFFF litigation results in favorable rulings for the plaintiffs, the manufacturers may be held liable on the following grounds:

1. Failure to Act: The defendants may be found to have had knowledge of the risks associated with AFFF but did not take the necessary steps to protect users or the public.
2. Inadequate Warnings: Manufacturers could be held responsible for not warning individuals about the known dangers associated with AFFF exposure.

If these claims are upheld, the manufacturers could be required to compensate those who have filed lawsuits for the harm caused by exposure to AFFF.

Have you been affected?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or other health conditions following exposure to AFFF, you may qualify to take part in the AFFF lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for Legal Assistance Today

TruLaw is working to provide individuals affected by AFFF exposure with the resources they need to explore their legal options.

If you’re unsure of your eligibility, you can use the chatbot on this page to instantly determine if you qualify for the AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit.

Your health and well-being are our priority.

Overview of AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits center on product liability claims against companies involved in the manufacture or distribution of AFFF foam.

These legal actions focus on the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), synthetic chemicals that have been linked to several health concerns, including cancer, thyroid disorders, and fertility issues.

The lawsuits allege that companies were aware of the dangers posed by PFAS-containing foams but failed to adequately warn their employees or the public about the potential health risks.

Additionally, AFFF lawsuits hold these companies accountable for the health problems experienced by individuals exposed to AFFF foam and PFAS contamination.

While the lawsuits are still ongoing, with no confirmed monetary compensation for plaintiffs at this time, they have already helped raise public awareness about the dangers associated with PFAS exposure.

Here are some key points regarding the ongoing AFFF foam lawsuits:

• AFFF lawsuits have been filed against multiple corporations, including 3M, DuPont, Chemours, Tyco Fire Protection Products, and Kidde-Fenwal, along with other manufacturers involved in AFFF production.
• The lawsuits claim that these companies had knowledge of the health risks linked to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) for years.
• The claims also argue that individuals exposed to AFFF foam have suffered various health issues, including cancers, thyroid disorders, and reduced fertility.
• The lawsuits are ongoing, and potential compensation for affected individuals has not yet been determined.
• In 2019, the lawsuits were consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL), filed in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina under MDL 2873.

These lawsuits play an important role in highlighting the health risks posed by PFAS, as the litigation progresses in holding manufacturers accountable for their role in PFAS exposure.

Health Issues Linked to AFFF Firefighting Foam Exposure

The manufacturers of AFFF firefighting foam may be held accountable for exposing military personnel, employees, and the general public to serious health risks.

To understand why these companies could be liable, it’s important to explore the issues connected to AFFF firefighting foam.

At the core of AFFF’s association with various health and environmental concerns are the PFAS chemicals found in these products.

These “forever chemicals” are a key reason AFFF poses such risks.

Health Risks Associated with “Forever Chemicals”

PFAS chemicals, used in the production of AFFF firefighting foam, specifically include fluorosurfactants.

Over the years, agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Environmental Working Group have raised serious concerns about these substances, linking PFAS to a variety of health problems, including cancer.

The EPA has identified cancer among the potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure.

Several types of cancers have been linked to PFAS exposure, including but not limited to:

• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Lymphoma
• Mesothelioma
• Multiple Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Ovarian cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid cancer

Bio-accumulative Nature of PFAS Chemicals

PFAS chemicals are notorious for their bioaccumulation, meaning they can remain in the human body for an extended period without breaking down.

This persistence is a health risk concern and a key reason people are pursuing AFFF firefighting foam cancer lawsuits.

The longer these chemicals stay in the body, the greater the risk of them reaching toxic levels and causing serious health issues.

Toxic Effects of Forever Chemicals

PFAS chemicals have been classified as toxic, with links to various health complications.

According to the Endocrine Society, PFAS can disrupt endocrine function, leading to thyroid disease and metabolic disorders.

Additionally, research from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has shown that PFAS exposure in lab animals resulted in liver damage, immune system suppression, and even birth defects and developmental issues.

Environmental Contamination from PFAS

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has long been aware of the environmental dangers posed by PFAS chemicals.

According to the EPA, PFAS are among the most concerning pollutants, contaminating soil, water, and even entering the food chain.

One major contributor to this environmental contamination is the use and disposal of AFFF firefighting foam.

PFAS chemicals are highly toxic to both plants and animals, and their presence in soil and water can create long-term health hazards for the public, including contamination of food and drinking water sources.

Scientific Research Linking Aqueous Film Forming Foams to Serious Health Problems

Numerous studies have identified a correlation between AFFF exposure and a range of serious health conditions, including cancer and endocrine disorders.

For example, a study titled “Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances in a cohort of women firefighters and office workers in San Francisco” found that firefighters were at a higher risk of developing cancer compared to the general population, likely due to PFAS exposure.

This study is one of many that suggest a connection between exposure to AFFF and the development of cancer, among other illnesses.

In recent years, additional research has emerged with scientific evidence linking AFFF to specific cancers.

A 2021 epidemiological review highlighted two types of cancers frequently found in individuals exposed to PFAS chemicals:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer

The CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) also reported similar findings.

In 2022, the ATSDR confirmed that cancer is one of the potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure.

The ATSDR also outlined other health risks related to AFFF exposure, including:

• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Liver enzyme changes
• Hypertension (including pre-eclampsia in pregnant women)
• Birth defects
• Poor vaccine response in children

In addition to these risks, research has shown that PFAS chemicals can disrupt hormonal health.

According to a 2021 study, PFAS compounds interfere with endocrine functions by binding to glands and receptors, which can suppress normal hormonal responses.

This disruption can lead to imbalances that affect metabolism and overall health.

The health issues tied to PFAS exposure, particularly in AFFF products, are real, and companies responsible for these products may be held liable.

If you or a loved one has developed cancer or another illness after exposure to toxic firefighting foam, reach out to our team at TruLaw to learn more about your legal options.

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

Previous Legal Actions Against AFFF Manufacturers

Legal actions have already been initiated against several manufacturers of AFFF firefighting foam.

These lawsuits allege that the companies were aware of the health risks posed by PFAS chemicals found in AFFF but continued to produce and distribute the fire fighting foam regardless of these dangers.

AFFF-related lawsuits are currently ongoing across multiple states.

The earliest cases began in 2019, and since then, many of these lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL 2873).

As awareness of the potential link between AFFF and cancer increases, more manufacturers have been forced to respond to the legal challenges.

One of the most prominent companies involved in these lawsuits, 3M, has consistently denied responsibility, arguing that the connection between the PFAS content in AFFF and cancer risk remains unproven.

This stance is echoed by several other manufacturers facing similar lawsuits.

The lawsuits have also impacted numerous companies.

For example, on May 23, 2023, Kidde-Fenwal — another AFFF manufacturer named in these cases — filed for bankruptcy under Section 11, largely due to the number of pending claims.

Despite this, the courts have allowed the company to continue operating to meet any potential financial obligations related to the lawsuits.

We continue to monitor the progress of these cases as new developments emerge in the ongoing litigation against AFFF manufacturers.

A Brief History of Aqueous Film Forming Foam and Its Use

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has been a key tool in firefighting for decades, especially for extinguishing Class B fires caused by flammable liquids.

Developed in the 1960s as a joint effort between the United States Navy and 3M Corporation, AFFF was quickly adopted by military branches and considered a major advancement in the firefighting foam sector.

Its widespread use began after a notable incident aboard the USS Forrestal, where AFFF played a key role in controlling a dangerous fire outbreak.

By the 1970s, AFFF had expanded beyond military use, becoming a common firefighting solution in military facilities, airports, chemical plants, and other environments where flammable liquid fires posed a threat.

For many years, it was considered the “gold standard” in fire suppression for these types of fires.

However, by the early 2000s, concerns emerged about the environmental and health impacts of AFFF.

The foam contains PFAS chemicals, known as “forever chemicals,” which persist in the environment and have been linked to serious health risks, including long-term exposure hazards for humans.

TruLaw: Your AFFF Firefighting Foam Law Firm

Exposure to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) can lead to serious health risks, including an increased likelihood of cancer and other related conditions.

If you have been exposed to AFFF and later developed cancer or other health concerns, you may qualify to file an AFFF lawsuit.

You can use the chatbot on this page to instantly see if you are eligible for the firefighting foam cancer lawsuit.

The firefighting foam attorneys at TruLaw and our partner law firms are dedicated to supporting clients through the AFFF claims process.

For further details or updates about the AFFF lawsuit, visit this page or contact us to discuss your case.