Many civilian and military fire fighters were exposed to toxic chemicals found in firefighting foam. In fact, exposures these chemicals are scientifically proven to cause cancer. Therefore, both military and civilian firefighters qualify as plaintiffs for the firefighting foam lawsuit. Other potential plaintiffs who qualify include airport workers exposed to the foam and anyone who ingested highly contaminated drinking water.
What is the AFFF Firefighter Lawsuit?
Numerous scientific studies have linked firefighting foam, technically known as aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) to cancer. And thousands of firefighters and individuals who drank contaminated water have lawsuits to recover damages related to cancer and other diseases. Consequently, a panel of federal judges ordered consolidation of firefighter lawsuits filed across the country. These cases filed around the country are consolidated and pending in the U.S. District Court of South Carolina. This multi district litigation is named the AFFF Products Liability Litigation MDL No. 2873.DL No. 2873
What is AFFF?
AFFF is an abbreviation for aqueous film-forming foams. AFFF contains two types of PFAS, PFOA and PFOS. Manufacturers of firefighting foam added these chemicals to foam products for their firefighting properties. As a result, investigators have found PFAS contamination at military bases, airports, and other industrial sites where foam was used.
Firefighting Foam and Cancer
Scientific studies continue to examine the causal connection between exposure to these chemicals and cancer. Some studies concern drinking water. Other studies concern occupational exposures. The Judge overseeing the AFFF Litigation issued an order that lists the six diseases that may qualify to receive money. These include:
- Kidney Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Thyroid disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
Although not listed injuries, studies show exposure to PFAS may cause Prostate, Liver, Pancreatic, Colon Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Breast Cancer, and Ovarian Cancer. The scientific community continues to study PFAS and these cancers.
More Firefighter Lawsuits are Expected
Firefighters and others who were exposed to these chemicals and contracted cancer as a result continue to file lawsuits to recover money for their injuries. Firefighters were unaware that the fire suppressant foam and their turnout gear presented a danger through toxic exposures. Therefore, they were unable to protect themselves and reduce their exposures. We believe this makes their claims for compensation compelling.
