Battling fires is a known risk firefighters embrace head-on to protect people, animals, and property from harm’s way. Unfortunately, firefighters may be more vulnerable to health issues and death from the very materials made to protect them. Contaminants from fires and chemicals used in firefighting foam, a widely used solution to cool and smother tough-to-put-out fires, have unknowingly put many firefighters at risk for heart attacks, cancer, and other health issues.
The studies do not lie—from 2002 to 2019, 66 percent of career firefighter line-of-duty deaths were due to cancer alone, as the Firefighter Cancer Support Network reported. Alarmingly, firefighters die of cancer more than other groups because of long-term exposure to toxic chemicals.
Sadly, many senior and retired firefighters and military veterans die from unusual cancers or serious illnesses after retirement. Firefighters and their families can pursue a firefighting foam lawsuit with the help of Constant Legal Group. Heroes and their families should not have to grapple with difficult financial losses that come with cancer or other serious diagnoses or death linked to AFFF exposure.
How It Started: The History of Firefighting Foam (AFFF)
Firefighting foam or aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a synthetic solution that smothers fuel fire developed by the U.S. Navy in the 1960s. It stifles hydrocarbon fuel fires, especially those involving aircraft.
AFFF is effective as a fire suppressant as it cuts off the oxygen to the fire, cools it, extinguishes it, and prevents it from relighting. It was not long before all U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, major airports, and civilian fire departments started using firefighting foam to suppress fires.
AFFF foam has long been a staple in fire service. Unfortunately, the unsafe ingredients in this synthetic foam have been linked to serious, unintended consequences on the firefighters who use it and the communities they protect.
How Does Firefighting Foam Work?
AFFF foam uses a thin film to coat whatever is fueling the fire. It prevents oxygen from reaching the fuel source while also helping cool the area down. It was created to put out Class B fires that involve flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline, alcohol, oil-based paints, and lacquers. However, when water is not used, AFFF foam is applied to almost all fires—not just Class B fires.
What Is Firefighting Foam Made Of?
Four elements comprise a potent firefighting foam: water, air, aeration, and foam concentrate. Firefighting foam concentrate is a powerhouse of chemicals, PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) that act as a “blanket” over liquid fuel so flammable vapors cannot escape. PFAS are problematic as they make people sick and linger in the environment.
What Are PFAS?
AFFF contains per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These substances are part of a large family of artificial chemical compounds used in various consumer products like cleaning products, water-resistant fabrics, nonstick cookware, personal care products, and stain-resistant coatings.
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances also found a purpose in fighting fires, among other commercial and industrial applications. PFAS grew in popularity throughout the 1940s and 1950s.
PFAS were created in a lab; their chemical makeup makes them highly toxic and resistant to degradation. Over-exposure can result in severe illness and death. These chemicals can seep into the ground, water, and other elements when in production or use.
They are still used in a wide variety of industries across the globe, including manufacturers in the United States. Scientists, health experts, and other groups have raised concerns since the 1970s about PFAS.
Is Firefighting Foam Hazardous?
Firefighting foam poses a danger to people, animals, and the environment. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified PFOA, a type of PFAS, as a 2B carcinogen. PFAS are long-lasting chemicals and a persistent force when added to different products.
Claims were filed against companies like 3M, DuPont, and other PFAS manufacturers in 2023 after evidence showed they had decades of knowledge that PFAS compounds are volatile, toxic substances. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uncovered this information and published preliminary studies in 1980.
The Environmental Working Group and Indiana University also released research showing 26 PFAS displayed at least one characteristic of known human carcinogens. Over time, all this research helped bring AFFF foam cancer accusations to the courtrooms.
Forever Chemicals: What To Know
There is a reason PFAS are known as “forever chemicals.” PFAS stay on the skin for roughly three weeks after a single exposure, even with consistent showering. Even worse, the substance stays in a person’s body for years—government health data indicates it takes four years to decrease by half.
PFAS are resilient because they are fused with carbon and fluorine atoms, making them practically indestructible. Firefighters are more prone to harm and health issues compared with other workers.
Are PFAS Still in Firefighting Foam?
Several lawsuits later—about 15,000 claims have been filed as of 2023—and the dangers of PFAS finally caught the right people’s attention.
Certain states started banning PFAS compounds from firefighting foams in 2021. Companies have slowly begun phasing them out as new and safer ones are in development.
More transitions are planned through 2024. Expectations are that AFFF foams will be banned entirely by 2028.
How Are People Exposed to PFAS?
PFAS are not exclusive to firefighting foam. PFAS are everywhere, but the average person may have limited exposure compared to those in certain professions.
1. Exposure Through Work
Those who work in firefighting, chemical manufacturing and processing, aviation, highway emergency services, oil refineries, off-shore platforms, and chemical plants may have increased exposure to PFAS.
PFAS, among other things, puts many workers at risk of experiencing workplace injuries. For example, in addition to the foam, firefighters’ turnout gear used for protection from burning buildings is filled with cancer-causing PFAS. PFAS sticks to everything, from clothes to skin.
The gear designed to protect firefighters is a breeding ground for PFAS, and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) filed a lawsuit against the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to hold them liable and remove PFAS from turnout gear.
2. Exposure Through Drinking Water
According to government data, almost half (45%) of America’s tap water could contain forever chemicals. Water for as many as 26 million people in communities across the country had measurable levels of PFAS and clear signs of water contamination.
Multiple cases link PFAS to groundwater contamination. Since the 1970s, the Department of Defense (DOD) has used AFFF to put out fuel fires in military facilities. Rampant use has led to extensive water contamination in nearby bases.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) is suing Tyco Fire Products LP (Tyco) and Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI). The complaint alleges that Tyco and JCI failed to notify the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that the companies were behind a leak near the Fire Technology Center in Marinette, Wisconsin.
Firefighting Foam Health Effects
AFFF Exposure Symptoms
The level and duration of exposure to AFFF matter can affect the severity of symptoms someone experiences. Excessive use can trigger stomach pain, skin irritation, immune system changes, thyroid disease, asthma, or child development issues. Cases involving long-term handling of AFFF include more serious illnesses (like increased cancer risk) or death.
Does Firefighting Foam Cause Cancer?
PFAS chemicals do not break down quickly; the body may not present symptoms of an illness until years after exposure.
Current research suggests that long-term exposure to AFFF could contribute to the formation of:
- Kidney Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Bladder Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Male Breast Cancer
Other life-impacting conditions:
- Ulcerative Colitis
- High cholesterol
- Preeclampsia
- Thyroid disease
- Liver damage
- Asthma
- Fertility issues
- Damage to a fetus, including birth injuries that affect a growing child’s development.
Firefighting Foam Lawsuit
Civilian and military firefighters facing an AFFF cancer diagnosis or another serious illness because of firefighting foam might be entitled to compensation. Like many others, you can file an AFFF lawsuit against 3M, Tyco, Chemguard, and other manufacturers or distributors of AFFF.
Constant Legal Group is a knowledgeable law firm and seasoned in the nuances of product liability litigation. Our lawyers have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured parties. Our goal is to help you get peace of mind and acceptable compensation for your injuries.
Firefighting Foam Manufacturers Involved in the AFFF Lawsuits
AFFF and PFAS manufacturers did not adequately warn people of the dangers, nor did they stop production. As a result, people who have suffered illnesses and injuries due to AFFF exposure have come forward with lawsuits against manufacturers.
Some firefighting foam suppliers who are facing litigation include:
- 3M Company
- Dupont
- Chemours Company
Other, lesser-known makers of AFFF include:
- AGC Chemicals Americas
- Arkema Inc.
- BASF Corp.
- Carrier Global Corp.
- Chubb National Foam, Inc
- Clariant Corp.
- Corteva, Inc.
- Dynax Corp.
- Kidde-Fenwal
- Tyco
- UTC Fire & Security Americas
AFFF Lawsuit Update
Firefighting foam lawsuits are ongoing. Six hundred cases were consolidated in the United States District Court for South Carolina for a trial under Judge Richard Gergel. Some cases involving big manufacturers resulted in more than billion dollar settlements. The number will likely grow as more people speak out.
For example, on October 12, 2023, the court denied 3M’s motion for summary judgment to limit liability. Now is the time to consider legal recourse under an AFFF lawsuit if you suffered a related injury.
The first bellwether trial in the AFFF MDL began in June 2023 as part of the MDL over personal and environmental harm caused by AFFF. The case selected is the City of Stuart v. 3M Co. et al. This marks the first time a jury will issue a ruling on the evidence presented against DuPont and 3M, which could result in a multi-billion dollar settlement. This is only the beginning of AFFF trials, with more to come.
Separately, numerous manufacturers have recently settled lawsuits alleging their PFAS contaminated water supplies. DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva agreed to pay $1.185 billion to 300 water providers over PFAS water contamination.
Do You Have an AFFF Lawsuit?
Civilian and military firefighters and other individuals exposed to AFFF for extended periods and who have developed health conditions linked to PFAS exposure might qualify to file a fire foam lawsuit.
Thousands of people continue the fight against AFFF and its continued production. Victims of AFFF can work together to share findings as part of the ongoing MDL. An experienced AFFF lawyer can offer insight regarding filing requirements.
AFFF Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
If you or a loved one suffers from an AFFF-related illness, filing a lawsuit may help you recover compensation. Firefighter foam cash settlements will depend on the degree of injuries, level, and frequency of exposure, cost of medical expenses, and lost wages (past and future).
Firefighting foam settlements depend on many factors. It is important to seek legal representation with mass tort expertise and a history of successful case results.
Frequently Asked Questions: Filing a Firefighter Foam Lawsuit
How do I know if I am eligible, and what steps do I need to take?
If you are a civilian or military firefighter exposed to firefighting foam and subsequently diagnosed with certain cancers, it’s time to reach out to a firefighting foam attorney.
Fill out the intake form on this page for a free and no-obligation review of your case to see if an AFFF foam cancer lawsuit is right for you. Constant Legal Group is here to help—we would be honored to speak with you.
How much time do I have to file a claim for my firefighter foam case?
Individuals with diagnoses received six months after their first AFFF exposure event might be entitled to compensation. We will help you file a claim and represent you against 3M, Tyco, Chemguard, and other manufacturers of AFFF.
Can surviving family members receive financial compensation on behalf of an AFFF exposure victim?
Qualifying family members of loved ones who suffered and died from AFFF-related cancer or another serious health condition can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. A successful wrongful death lawsuit can help pay for funeral-related expenses and arrangements, cover lost wages and loss of companionship, medical care, and more.
It’s simple, just fill out the intake form on this page for a free and no-obligation review of your case. After our team reviews your case, we will help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the entire legal process, and maximize the compensation you deserve.
If your case qualifies, you may be able to receive compensation for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, and even lost wages. The average recovery for a qualifying AFFF claim is difficult to estimate since the first Bellwether has not been held. Once several bellwether trials are heard, we will know better what our clients will stand to receive.
Even though Bellwether trials have not started yet, it is still imperative that eligible claims are added to the MDL as quickly as possible. Because there are several documents to be gathered and evidence to be prepared, we advise you to get the process started as soon as you can.
Yes, non-firefighters may still have an eligible claim if they were exposed to firefighting foam on at least ten different occasions, those occasions took place after 1960, and were diagnosed with one of the aforementioned cancers at least 6 months after the first exposure.
Reasons to Choose
Get Help With Your Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Today
AFFF foam has stolen health and life from many hardworking people and their families. After decades of abusing consumer trust, it is time for victims of AFFF exposure to be heard and for manufacturers to be held financially accountable for putting thousands of people in continued danger.
Constant Legal Group and our legal team have helped AFFF victims take successful legal action against powerful AFFF manufacturers. We will be able to walk you through the AFFF foam lawsuit process, what to expect from your claim, and possible options for your particular situation.
Now is the time to prioritize your health and consider filing a firefighting foam lawsuit to cover your medical bills, surgical treatments, hospital stays, and lost wages due to treatment. We can offer a free case review when you contact our office today.
- Free Consultations
- You Don’t Pay Unless We Win
- Board Certified Lawyers
- 24/7 Call Center
