What are PFAS chemicals?

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a group of human-made chemicals widely used across industries due to their resistance to heat, water, oil, and stains. These unique properties have made PFAS a staple in products ranging from firefighting foam to non-stick cookware. PFAS are toxic, persistent chemicals that do not break down easily in the environment. Over time, they can accumulate in the human body, potentially leading to serious health effects, such as cancer, birth defects, and other complications. Increased awareness of their risks has led to bans and restrictions in <a href="https://news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-and-energy/pfas-bans-restrictions-go-into-effect-in-states-as-year-begins#:~:text=That%20measure%2C%20AB%201200%2C%20also,PTFE%2C%20commonly%20known%20as%20Teflon." target="_new" rel="noopener">several states</a> and <a href="https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/efforts-underway-in-europe-to-ban-pfas-compounds/4014038.article" target="_new" rel="noopener">countries</a> globally.

What is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)?

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a type of firefighting foam commonly used in industries such as aviation, military, and petrochemical for fire suppression. AFFF works by creating a barrier between the fire and the oxygen, which smothers and extinguishes fuel-based fires. Developed in the 1960s by companies like 3M, Chemguard, and Tyco Fire Products, AFFF has been a key tool in extinguishing jet fuel fires, especially on military bases and airports.

What products are PFAS chemicals in?

PFAS chemicals are not limited to firefighting foam — they are found in many everyday products due to their durable, water-resistant properties. These products include: <ul> <li>Nonstick cookware</li> <li>Personal care products, such as shampoos and cosmetics</li> <li>Stain-resistant coatings for carpets and upholstery</li> <li>Plastic wrappers and packaging</li> <li>Microwave popcorn bags</li> <li>Cleaning products</li> <li>Water-resistant fabrics like rain jackets and tents</li> <li>Grease-resistant paper</li> </ul>

Who is at risk for exposure to firefighting foam?

Those most at risk for exposure to firefighting foam are individuals whose work duties regularly involve the use or handling of AFFF products. Exposure can also occur through contaminated drinking water, especially in areas near fire training facilities. People most likely to suffer occupational exposure include: <ul> <li>Employees of AFFF manufacturers</li> <li>Airport and military firefighters</li> <li>Municipal firefighters</li> <li>Workers in oil refineries and similar industrial facilities</li> <li>Individuals working on flight decks</li> <li>Workers involved in transporting or disposing of AFFF foam</li> </ul>

What health problems may AFFF firefighting foam be linked to?

Exposure to PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam has been associated with a range of serious health conditions. These potential health risks include, but are not limited to: <ul> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-bladder-cancer-lawsuit/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Bladder cancer</a></li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-breast-cancer-lawsuit/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Breast cancer</a></li> <li>Colon cancer</li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-colorectal-cancer-lawsuit/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Colorectal cancer</a></li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-endometrial-cancer-lawsuit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Endometrial cancer</a></li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-kidney-cancer-lawsuit/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Kidney cancer</a></li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-leukemia-lawsuit/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Leukemia</a></li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-liver-cancer-lawsuit/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Liver cancer</a></li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-lymphoma-lawsuit/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Lymphoma</a></li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-mesothelioma-lawsuit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mesothelioma</a></li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-multiple-myeloma-lawsuit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Multiple Myeloma</a></li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-non-hodgkin-lymphoma-lawsuit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma</a></li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-ovarian-cancer-lawsuit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ovarian cancer</a></li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-pancreatic-cancer-lawsuit/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Pancreatic cancer</a></li> <li>Prostate cancer</li> <li>Rectal cancer</li> <li>Testicular cancer</li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-thyroid-cancer-lawsuit/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Thyroid cancer</a></li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-thyroid-disease-lawsuit/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Thyroid disease</a></li> <li><a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/afff-ulcerative-colitis-lawsuit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ulcerative Colitis</a></li> <li>Birth defects and other reproductive issues</li> <li>Developmental problems</li> <li>Heart disease</li> <li>Hormonal imbalances</li> <li>Immune system disorders</li> <li>Liver damage</li> <li>Neuroendocrine tumors</li> <li>Reproductive issues</li> <li>Skin and eye irritation</li> <li>Other health complications</li> </ul>

Who are the defendants in AFFF lawsuits?

The defendants in AFFF cancer lawsuits are companies that have manufactured or supplied firefighting foam to various industries, including fire departments, military bases, and airports. Some of the companies named in AFFF lawsuits include: <ul> <li>Tyco Fire Products</li> <li>3M</li> <li>ChemDesign Inc.</li> <li>DuPont</li> <li>Chemours</li> <li>Chemguard Inc.</li> <li>Over a dozen other companies</li> </ul>

What is the AFFF MDL?

The AFFF MDL (Multidistrict Litigation) was established in the US District Court for the District of South Carolina. MDL is a special legal process used to consolidate cases that share common issues. This consolidation speeds up the litigation process by grouping pretrial proceedings into a single court. In the AFFF litigation, the AFFF firefighting foam MDL helps manage thousands of lawsuits related to firefighting foam exposure more efficiently.

How can firefighting foam lawyers help me?

AFFF Lawyers experienced in firefighting foam litigation can assist you through every stage of the legal process. Some of the ways the AFFF firefighting foam lawyers at <a href="https://trulaw.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">TruLaw</a> and our partner law firms can support you include, but are not limited to: <ol> <li>Collecting and organizing evidence for your <a href="https://trulaw.com/afff-lawsuit-firefighting-foam-lawsuit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">AFFF lawsuit</a></li> <li>Evaluating the damages you have suffered due to firefighting foam exposure</li> <li>Identifying responsible parties and determining liability for your cancer diagnosis</li> <li>Providing guidance and answers to any legal questions you may have throughout the process</li> <li>Working diligently to pursue a potential settlement for your AFFF lawsuit</li> </ol>

How much does it cost to hire a firefighting foam attorney?

The experienced firefighting foam attorneys at <a href="https://trulaw.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">TruLaw</a> and our partner law firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal fees for pursuing your firefighting foam lawsuit. If no settlement or compensation is awarded, you won’t owe any legal fees. This contingency structure ensures that you can move forward with your case without financial risk on your end. It’s important to note that TruLaw is only accepting clients with AFFF personal injury cases — we are not accepting clients for the AFFF municipal water contamination lawsuits.

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Oct 1, 2024

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