Aqueous Firefighting Foam (AFFF) Exposure

A Texas law firm fighting for firefighters and military personnel

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) – also known as firefighting foam – has been widely used in the firefighting industry for decades to extinguish flammable liquid fires. However, studies have linked prolonged AFFF exposure to severe health risks, including multiple types of cancer. If you have developed an illness that could be related to AFFF, you may be eligible for compensation.

Toxic exposure to AFFF can have a devastating impact on victims and their families. However, holding powerful chemical manufacturers accountable requires aggressive legal action. That’s why you need an experienced attorney on your side. At the Ferrell Law Group, our AFFF exposure lawyers are ready to take on corporate giants like 3M and DuPont and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

What is aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)?

AFFF is a foam concentrate that, when mixed with water, forms a heat-resistant barrier to suffocate fuel-based fires. It was widely used by firefighters, military personnel, and airport personnel – but the toxic chemicals in AFFF have been found to persist in the body and environment for decades.

AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – highly toxic "forever chemicals" that do not break down easily. These chemicals have been linked to severe health conditions, leading to thousands of lawsuits against manufacturers.

The most common toxic PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam include:

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS)

Despite knowing the risks, AFFF manufacturers like 3M and DuPont failed to warn firefighters, military personnel, and communities about the dangers of prolonged exposure.

Diseases linked to firefighting foam exposure

Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure in AFFF to multiple serious health conditions, including:

Cancers:

Kidney cancer
Testicular cancer
Prostate cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Liver cancer
Thyroid cancer
Breast cancer
Bladder cancer
Certain Blood cancers

Other Health Risks:

Liver and Kidney Damage – PFAS chemicals can cause hepatic dysfunction, kidney disease, and increased risk of renal failure.
Immune System Dysfunction – Long-term PFAS exposure can impair immune response, increasing the risk of autoimmune disorders and infections.
Hormonal Disruption – PFAS chemicals interfere with the endocrine system, leading to fertility issues and hormone imbalances.
Developmental and Reproductive Issues – Exposure during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight, developmental delays, and preterm births.

Who is at risk for AFFF exposure?

People exposed to firefighting foam in occupational and environmental settings face the highest risks.

Occupational Exposure:

Firefighters – Career and volunteer firefighters are frequently exposed to AFFF during training and fire suppression. Clean-up crews that come in after a fire may have also been exposed.
Military Personnel – AFFF has been used at U.S. military bases, naval yards, and air force installations for decades. Anyone enlisting in the Navy is required to have firefighting training.
Airport Workers – AFFF is still used in some airport fire suppression systems and training exercises.
Chemical Plant Workers – Some industries continue to use AFFF in industrial fire prevention systems.

Environmental Exposure:

Contaminated Drinking Water – AFFF has polluted water supplies near military bases, fire stations, and industrial sites across the U.S.
Groundwater Contamination – PFAS chemicals from AFFF seep into soil and waterways, affecting surrounding communities.

Studies show that even small amounts of PFAS exposure can increase the risk of serious illnesses.

Firefighting foam lawsuits: holding manufacturers accountable

For decades, firefighters and military personnel trusted AFFF without knowing the risks. Now, thousands are taking legal action against chemical manufacturers that failed to warn them.

Major developments in AFFF litigation:

2023: 3M agrees to a historic $10.3 billion settlement to resolve AFFF water contamination lawsuits.
Thousands of individual lawsuits remain active in multidistrict litigation (MDL).
New evidence continues to expose decades of corporate cover-ups regarding PFAS dangers.

If you or a loved one developed cancer after exposure to firefighting foam, you may be entitled to compensation.

Do you qualify for an AFFF lawsuit?

You may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit if:

You worked as a firefighter, military personnel, airport worker, or industrial worker and were exposed to AFFF.
You lived near a military base or industrial site with known PFAS contamination.
You were diagnosed with kidney, testicular, prostate, pancreatic, or liver cancer – or another related illness.
You file within your state’s statute of limitations (time limits vary).

Even if you are unsure whether AFFF caused your cancer, we can help investigate your exposure history.

Compensation in firefighting foam lawsuits

AFFF lawsuit settlements may include compensation for:

Medical Expenses – Cancer treatments, surgeries, medications, and ongoing care.
Lost Wages – Compensation for time off work due to illness.
Pain and Suffering – Emotional and physical distress caused by PFAS exposure.
Wrongful Death – Families of victims who passed away due to AFFF-related illnesses may qualify for claims.

Why choose the Ferrell Law Group for your AFFF lawsuit?

Filing an AFFF exposure lawsuit against powerful corporations requires a law firm with experience, resources, and a commitment to justice. Here’s why you should trust our firefighting foam lawyers:

Proven Track Record – Our AFFF injury attorneys have helped clients secure millions in compensation for toxic exposure cases.
No Upfront Fees – Our firm works on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Experienced Toxic Exposure Attorneys – We know how to successfully handle cases involving firefighting foam exposure, PFAS contamination, and related illnesses. Our AFFF exposure lawyers fight tirelessly to hold chemical manufacturers accountable.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer after exposure to firefighting foam, you may be eligible for significant financial compensation. Contact the Ferrell Law Group today for a free, confidential consultation. Our AFFF lawyers are ready to fight for you.

“They helped me immensely with my cancer case. James Ferrell personally spoke and helped me navigate through the process. I recommend them highly!” — Marlene F., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐