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AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

Trustwell Law is accepting cases on behalf of firefighters (only) who have been regularly exposed to AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) and have developed any of the following:

  • Testicular cancer
  • Kidney/Renal cancer
  • Ulcerative colitis

If you are considering filing an AFFF lawsuit, call us at 800-796-1636 or submit your case details online and someone will contact you shortly. You pay nothing unless your lawsuit is successful and you receive compensation.

A firefighter with an ax approaching a fire.

We are also accepting cases from individuals with ulcerative colitis and/or kidney, liver, pancreatic, prostate, or testicular cancer who were exposed to PFAS in their water.  

At Trustwell Law, our experienced attorneys take a personalized, compassionate approach. We cut through the legalese and partner with our clients. We have access to the expertise, resources, and manpower to fully investigate each case and fight for and with our clients to get the justice they deserve.

What Is AFFF?

AFFF is a foam used in firefighting to extinguish fires involving gasoline and other flammable liquids. First developed in the 1960s, AFFF is a concentrate mixed with water that creates a foaming action to enhance the water’s ability to put out those fires. The Department of Defense began using AFFFs extensively in the 1970s on U.S. military bases and aboard its ships around the world to fight fires and in firefighter training. Soon after, civilian firefighters also started using AFFF for training and to put out flammable liquid fires.

Aqueous film-forming foam contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are man-made chemicals first used in industry in the 1950s. PFAS are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down (biodegrade) naturally. Their use has been phased out in the U.S. as they have been linked to cancer and other health issues.

The Dangers of AFFF

PFAS in AFFF have been linked to many health issues in animals and humans. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry have linked PFAS to many health problems, including immune system changes, thyroid disorders, liver enzyme changes, and, notably, increased risk of certain cancers.

PFAS in AFFF are toxic and carcinogenic to animals and, potentially, humans, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are the most studied PFAS and are the most common types used in the United States. The IARC classifies perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as “possibly” carcinogenic to humans.

Should AFFF Firefighting Foam Manufacturers Have Known?

3M and Dupont and other manufacturers have sold AFFF products for decades. As noted, use of AFFF began in the 1970s. Research shows that in the late 1970s, tests found PFOS chemicals in the blood of workers at PFAS manufacturing plants and in the blood of the general population. A decade later, those same chemicals were shown to cause cancer in animals.

It wasn’t until 2006 that the EPA began a program to reduce PFAS emissions and product content. However, given the history and research, many argue that AFFF manufacturers should have taken action years before. They may have been negligent in their design, engineering, manufacturing, and release of these products.

AFFF Firefighter Foam Lawyers

If you have cancer and were regularly exposed to AFFF, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us for a free consultation.

 

Sources

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You will never be charged a fee unless a recovery is made for you.

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