Firefighting Foam (AFFF) Exposure

An experienced Texas lawyer can fight for compensation

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. But exposure to the hazardous chemicals used in this foam is known to pose serious long-term health risks. If you have developed an illness that could be related to AFFF, it’s important to talk to an attorney about your rights.

A personal injury from toxic exposure to AFFF can have a devastating impact on victims and their families. But recovering financial compensation can be a long and complicated process. That’s why you need an experienced toxic exposure attorney on your side. The Ferrell Law Group our toxic exposure lawyers are ready to fight for the financial compensation you deserve.

What is Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF)?

AFFF is a foam concentrate that, when mixed with water, forms a blanket-like layer on the surface of a fire, cutting off the oxygen supply and preventing the fire from reigniting. It contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of chemicals known to pose health risks. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) are two common PFAS chemicals used in the foam.

The use of PFAS helps make firefighting foam durable and effective. However, PFAS chemicals also pose safety risks due to their persistence in the environment and their potential to accumulate in the human body.

Exposure to firefighting foam containing PFAS has been linked to:

Increased cancer risk – Prolonged exposure to PFAS has been associated with an increased risk of kidney, testicular, prostate, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer.
Liver and kidney damage – Liver damage includes liver dysfunction and hepatocellular carcinoma. PFAS can also lead to kidney damage and impaired kidney function.
Immune system dysfunction – This can make people more susceptible to infections and reduce their ability to fight off diseases.
Developmental and reproductive Issues – There can be adverse effects on fetal development, including low birth weight, preterm birth, and developmental delays. It can also impact fertility and hormone regulation.
Hormonal disruption – PFAS chemicals have the potential to disrupt the normal functioning of hormones in the body, leading to hormonal imbalances and associated health issues.

How are people exposed to AFFF?

The most common ways people come into contact with Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) include:

Occupational exposure – Firefighters and other emergency response personnel are at a higher risk of AFFF exposure due to their direct involvement in firefighting operations. During training exercises or actual fire suppression activities, they can come into direct contact with AFFF foam while handling or applying it to extinguish flammable liquid fires. This can result in skin contact and inhalation exposure.
Environmental exposure – AFFF can be released into the environment during firefighting exercises or accidental spills,. The foam can enter lakes, rivers, or groundwater, leading to potential contamination. People living near firefighting training sites or areas where AFFF has been used may be exposed to the chemicals through the inhalation of contaminated air or by drinking contaminated water.
Proximity to fires – People in the vicinity of fires where AFFF is used may also experience exposure. This includes bystanders, nearby residents, or workers in industrial facilities located near fire incidents. The release of AFFF during fire suppression can result in airborne particles or contaminated runoff, which may pose a risk of inhalation or skin contact.

Our toxic exposure lawyers are ready to fight for you

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an illness you believe could be linked to AFFF, it’s important to get advice from a lawyer who has handled cases involving toxic exposure. If your illness was caused by exposure to firefighting foam, you deserve financial compensation.

The Ferrell Law Group represents victims who have suffered harm as a result of exposure to toxic substances. Our attorneys know how to investigate and gather evidence that builds strong cases. We are committed to helping victims and their families recover compensation for all of the damages they suffered.

You may not be sure if your illness is related to firefighting foam, or if you have a case. But you should know your rights and where you stand. One of our attorneys can meet with you to discuss what happened, go over your legal options, and answer any questions you have. There’s no cost and no obligation.

If we do take your case, there are no upfront fees or other costs. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means we cover all of the expenses for moving your case forward. You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Learn more about how we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.