Is AFFF firefighting foam still being used?

The use of AFFF firefighting foam is gradually being phased out, although it is still employed in some industries and emergency situations where alternatives have not yet been implemented. The U.S. Department of Defense is actively working to replace AFFF and has set a goal to cease using toxic firefighting foam entirely by October 2024. Industries that still use AFFF firefighting foam include: <ul> <li>Military Operations: Although the Department of Defense is set to end AFFF use by October 2024, it continues to be used in military settings for emergency situations.</li> <li>Aviation Industry: AFFF is still used due to its effectiveness in suppressing liquid fuel fires, which are common in aircraft incidents.</li> <li>Petrochemical Plants: AFFF is used in these facilities because of the high risk of large-scale flammable liquid fires.</li> </ul> Efforts to transition away from AFFF firefighting foams (which contain PFAS chemicals) are supported by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which has provided guidance on safer alternatives to AFFF.

What does the AFFF firefighting foam MDL include?

The AFFF Firefighting Foam lawsuit is being handled through multidistrict litigation (MDL), which helps consolidate AFFF firefighting foam cases with similar claims to streamline the legal process. MDL is a way for federal courts to handle major lawsuits more efficiently by grouping similar cases together — allowing for consistent rulings and faster resolutions. The AFFF MDL is centralized in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina under <a href="https://www.scd.uscourts.gov/mdl-2873/index.asp" target="_new" rel="noopener">MDL 2873</a>, where it consolidates both personal injury claims and environmental contamination cases related to AFFF.

Is there a class action lawsuit for AFFF?

No, there is no firefighting foam class action lawsuit related to personal injury claims or environmental contamination from AFFF. Instead, current and pending <a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">AFFF lawsuits</a> are consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL). It’s important to note the difference between MDL and class action lawsuits. In an MDL, plaintiffs retain their individual cases, and any settlement is based on the unique facts of their situation. By contrast, in a class action lawsuit, all claimants are treated as part of a single “class,” with settlements divided evenly among participants, regardless of individual circumstances.

What are the average settlement amounts for AFFF lawsuits?

There has not yet been a settlement in the AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits. While the AFFF litigation is ongoing, the legal community has projected potential settlement amounts for these cases based on previous mass tort settlements involving cancer diagnoses. Firefighting foam lawyers estimate that <a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-lawsuit-settlement-amounts-and-payouts/" rel="noopener noreferrer">AFFF Lawsuit settlement amounts</a> could range between $20,000 and $1,000,000 (or more), depending on the specific details and strength of each case. These figures are projections, not guarantees, and will depend on factors unique to each plaintiff’s claim.

How do I know if I qualify for the firefighting foam cancer lawsuit?

If you were exposed to AFFF firefighting foam during military service or other employment and later developed cancer or related health issues, you may be eligible to file an AFFF cancer lawsuit and seek compensation. AFFF firefighting foam lawyers at <a href="https://trulaw.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">TruLaw</a> and our partner law firms can provide you with a free consultation by using the chat on this page for an instant case evaluation to determine if you qualify to file an <a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">AFFF firefighting foam cancer lawsuit</a>.

What health problems are linked to exposure to PFAS chemicals in AFFF firefighting foam?

Exposure to PFAS chemicals in AFFF firefighting foam has been linked to a range of cancers and other health issues. Many individuals have filed lawsuits seeking compensation for cancer diagnoses and related damages. Cancers linked to AFFF exposure include: <ul> <li>Rectal cancer</li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-pancreatic-cancer-lawsuit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pancreatic cancer</a></li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-thyroid-cancer-lawsuit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Thyroid cancer</a></li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-liver-cancer-lawsuit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Liver cancer</a></li> <li>Colon cancer</li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-colorectal-cancer-lawsuit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Colorectal cancer</a></li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-breast-cancer-lawsuit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Breast cancer</a></li> <li>Testicular cancer</li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-kidney-cancer-lawsuit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kidney cancer</a></li> <li>Prostate cancer</li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-bladder-cancer-lawsuit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bladder cancer</a></li> </ul> Other potential health risks of AFFF exposure include: <ul> <li>Decreased vaccine response in children</li> <li>Increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women</li> <li>Changes in liver enzymes</li> <li>Small decreases in infant birth weights</li> <li>Increased cholesterol levels</li> </ul> These health risks highlight the serious nature of PFAS exposure for those who have been regularly exposed to firefighting foam.

Practice Areas

Oct 7, 2024

Archives

Air Force Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

AFFF Ulcerative Colitis Lawsuit

AFFF Exposure Symptoms: Firefighting Foam Linked to Cancer

FAQ: Who is Eligible for the AFFF Cancer Lawsuit?

FAQ: Does AFFF Cause Cancer?

FAQ: Will There Be an AFFF Foam Settlement in 2024?

AFFF Foam Cancer Types, Risks, and Other Side Effects

Which AFFF Manufacturers Are Named In The AFFF Lawsuits?

FAQ: Is There An AFFF Class Action Lawsuit?

AFFF Lawsuits: Can You Get VA Compensation for AFFF Exposure?

FAQ: Has the AFFF Lawsuit Been Settled?

SSDI Eligibility Criteria