FAQ: Who is Eligible for the AFFF Cancer Lawsuit?

What is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)?

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam that has been used extensively since the 1960s to suppress flammable liquid fires.

It is particularly effective for fighting fires involving hydrocarbon fuels like gasoline, oil, and jet fuel — making it a valuable tool for protecting both lives and property in high-risk environments.

AFFF works by creating a thin film on the surface of burning fuels, preventing re-ignition.

Over the years, various formulations of AFFF have been developed using a mix of water, hydrocarbon surfactants, fluorochemical surfactants, and stabilizing agents.

One key ingredient in some types of AFFF is fluorosurfactants, which fall under the category of PFAS chemicals, also referred to as “forever chemicals.”

PFAS are synthetic chemicals known for their carbon-fluorine bonds, which allow AFFF to form its protective film.

However, PFAS chemicals are notorious for their persistence in both the environment and the human body.

These substances can accumulate in soil, groundwater, and surface water, particularly near sites where AFFF has been used (such as airports, military bases, and firefighting training facilities).

As a result, people have been exposed to PFAS through direct contact with AFFF, contaminated drinking water, and food sources.

Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to several health concerns, including an increased risk of certain cancers, hormonal imbalances, developmental issues, and immune system disorders.

Health Risks Associated with AFFF Firefighting Foam

AFFF and PFAS are known to persist in the human body for extended periods of time.

Once PFAS chemicals are ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, they can accumulate in various organs and tissues — remaining in the body for long durations due to their resistance to breaking down.

This prolonged presence of PFAS is linked to numerous health concerns, particularly after long-term exposure.

Cancer Risks from AFFF Exposure

A growing body of scientific research, including studies from the Environmental Protection Agency, has raised concerns about the relationship between PFAS exposure and cancer.

Certain PFAS chemicals found in AFFF firefighting foam have been identified as potential carcinogens, contributing to an increased risk of cancer for those exposed to these substances.

Cancers potentially linked to AFFF firefighting foam exposure include:

• 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

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer affects the inner layers of the bladder, often leading to symptoms such as blood in the urine or increased frequency of urination.

Emerging evidence has suggested a possible connection between AFFF foam exposure and bladder cancer.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer, one of the most commonly discussed cancers in AFFF cases, involves a diverse group of malignancies originating from various breast tissues.

Research has demonstrated that PFAS exposure may increase the risk of breast cancer by as much as 13 times.

Colon Cancer

Colon or colorectal cancer begins in the lining of the colon or rectum and may start as benign polyps, which can develop into invasive cancer.

Scientific studies have linked PFAS chemicals to an increased risk of colon cancer.

Kidney Cancer

Renal cell carcinoma, or kidney cancer, involves the abnormal growth of cells in the kidneys.

Research has indicated a growing connection between toxic firefighting foam exposure and an elevated risk of developing kidney cancer.

Recent studies suggest a correlation between PFAS exposure and this type of cancer.

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer, a life-threatening condition, occurs when malignant cells grow uncontrollably in the liver.

Studies have shown that PFAS accumulation can damage liver tissues and potentially lead to cancer.

Research published in scientific journals has further highlighted the potential link between AFFF exposure and liver cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive form of cancer that often remains undetected until advanced stages.

Studies have shown evidence that PFAS exposure can cause oxidative stress in pancreatic cells, increasing the risk of cancer over time.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer, a slow-growing cancer affecting the prostate tissue, is most common among older men.

Although research into the connection between AFFF exposure and prostate cancer is still emerging, some studies suggest that hormonal changes combined with PFAS exposure may contribute to the development of cancerous cells in the prostate.

Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer, which affects the lower part of the large intestine, is another malignancy under investigation for possible links to AFFF exposure.

While research into the connection is ongoing, some studies suggest a potential association that warrants further exploration.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer originates in the germ cells that develop into sperm.

Research has indicated potential links between PFAS exposure and an increased risk of testicular cancer, particularly due to PFAS’s impact on hormone production and levels in the body.

Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer begins in the follicular cells of the thyroid gland, which produces hormones that support bodily functions.

Evidence from scientific research has pointed to a connection between PFAS exposure and thyroid cancer, as these chemicals can disrupt normal thyroid function, leading to the development of malignant cells.

Who Has Been Exposed to Toxic Firefighting Foam?

Certain professions face a greater risk of exposure to AFFF due to their regular use of firefighting foam or handling of PFAS-containing materials.

Workers who may be at a higher risk of occupational exposure to AFFF include:

• Workers involved with the transportation or disposal of AFFF
• Military personnel
• Flight deck workers
• Emergency responders in non-firefighting roles
• Airport workers
• Municipal firefighters
• Chemical plant workers
• Military firefighters

Municipal Firefighters

Municipal firefighters respond to various emergencies, including fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline and oil.

AFFF has commonly been used in these situations to suppress and extinguish such fires.

Due to this, municipal firefighters may face a heightened risk of exposure to AFFF and PFAS chemicals during their operations.

Military Firefighters

Military firefighters are tasked with protecting personnel and equipment on bases and other military installations.

Their exposure to AFFF may be more frequent than that of municipal firefighters, as military environments often store large quantities of flammable fuels and chemicals.

The extensive use of firefighting foam by the U.S. military increases the likelihood of regular exposure.

Military Personnel

Beyond military firefighters, other personnel stationed at military bases may encounter AFFF during training exercises or in emergency response situations.

With AFFF stockpiles commonly found on military bases, the risk of exposure extends to a broader range of military personnel.

Airport Workers

Airports depend on AFFF to combat aircraft-related fires effectively.

Airport firefighters, who are trained to respond to aviation emergencies, frequently use AFFF to handle fuel-based fires on airfields.

Additionally, other airport staff involved in emergency response or aircraft maintenance may be at risk of exposure during these operations.

Flight Deck Workers

Flight deck workers, whether on aircraft carriers or at airports, manage aircraft during takeoff, landing, and maintenance operations.

Their proximity to firefighting activities, particularly in response to potential fuel fires, increases the likelihood of AFFF exposure.

Chemical Plant Workers

Workers in certain industrial environments, such as chemical plants, may also encounter AFFF.

These facilities use firefighting foam to protect against flammable liquid fires.

Employees in these settings may be exposed to AFFF and PFAS chemicals, especially in industries involved with the manufacturing, storage, or handling of hazardous materials.

Workers Involved with Transportation or Disposal of AFFF

The transportation and disposal of AFFF present additional exposure risks.

Workers tasked with moving or disposing of AFFF materials, such as truck drivers, clean-up crews, and specialized disposal teams, may come into contact with these chemicals.

Precautions must be taken to minimize exposure and prevent environmental contamination.

Emergency Responders in Non-Firefighting Roles

In some cases, emergency responders who are not primarily firefighters — including law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, or hazardous materials teams — may be exposed to AFFF during chemical spills or accidents involving flammable liquids.

If exposed, they may be eligible to pursue legal claims related to AFFF exposure.

Eligibility to File an AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

Lawsuits related to exposure to AFFF firefighting foam are being filed against manufacturers by individuals who have experienced health problems linked to this exposure.

If you or a loved one were exposed to AFFF and later developed health issues, you may be eligible to pursue legal action.

The firefighting foam attorneys at TruLaw and our partner law firms can help determine if you qualify for an AFFF lawsuit by assessing your exposure, related health concerns, and other relevant factors.

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

Firefighting foam lawyers typically consider the following factors when evaluating eligibility for an AFFF lawsuit:

• Exposure to AFFF in a work or service environment
• Diagnosis of cancer or other related health problems
• Available evidence linking exposure to health issues
• Documentation of associated damages

Evidence of Occupational Exposure

Many individuals have encountered AFFF or PFAS-containing materials through their jobs, particularly in firefighting, military service, chemical plants, and other industries that regularly handle firefighting foam.

If you were exposed to firefighting foam in your workplace, you may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit.

It’s important to collect evidence that details your exposure history (such as employment records or other documentation).

Cancer Diagnosis or Related Health Conditions

Individuals exposed to toxic chemicals in AFFF often face serious health issues.

To support your claim, it’s helpful to gather and maintain medical records that document your diagnosis.

Health risks associated with AFFF exposure include, but are not limited to:

• Liver Damage: Prolonged exposure to PFAS can lead to liver injury due to the accumulation of these chemicals in the liver, disrupting its metabolic functions.
• Developmental Problems: Exposure to PFAS during pregnancy can cause delays in fetal development and other adverse effects.
• Immune System Disorders: PFAS exposure may weaken immune responses, making individuals more vulnerable to infections.
• Hormonal Imbalances: PFAS can interfere with hormone regulation, affecting reproductive health and thyroid function.
• Cancer: Malignant cell growth resulting in tumors that can be life-threatening.

Evidence in an AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

Gathering strong evidence is an important step in filing an AFFF lawsuit.

Key evidence in an AFFF lawsuit may include, but is not limited to:

• Employment records detailing exposure to AFFF
• Personal and witness statements
• Medical records related to cancer or other health diagnoses
• Any documentation validating your exposure to firefighting foam

Damages in AFFF Lawsuits

Damages in an AFFF lawsuit refer to the losses incurred due to exposure to PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam — both economic and non-economic.

These can cover a wide range of hardships experienced by the affected individual.

Potential damages in an AFFF lawsuit may include, but is not limited to:

• Medical costs
• Loss of consortium (impact on family relationships)
• Permanent disability
• Lost wages due to inability to work
• Pain and emotional suffering
• Reduced earning capacity
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Future medical care and therapy expenses
• Other compensatory and punitive damages

TruLaw: Your AFFF Firefighting Foam Cancer Law Firm

We are currently accepting clients nationwide for firefighting foam cancer lawsuits.

If you or a loved one were exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam and have since developed cancer or other related health issues, you may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for more information by using the chat on this page to instantly determine if you qualify for the AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits.

We recognize the serious nature of AFFF-related health risks and the impact they can have on individuals and families.

The experienced firefighting foam lawyers at TruLaw and our partner law firms are committed to supporting clients throughout the legal process as they explore their legal options.

Reach out to us to learn more about how we can assist.