AFFF Lawsuit Update [April 2026] | Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

An Overview of the AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

AFFF Lawsuits are centered around claims that manufacturers knowingly exposed firefighters, military personnel, and other workers to toxic firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals without providing adequate warnings about the associated health risks.

AFFF has been used for decades in firefighting operations to suppress fires involving flammable liquids, but PFAS chemicals in the foam have been linked to a variety of serious health conditions, including multiple forms of cancer.

Plaintiffs in AFFF Lawsuits argue that the manufacturers had access to research and scientific evidence showing the dangers of PFAS, yet continued to distribute the foam without disclosing these risks.

AFFF was used extensively in military settings, including on aircraft carriers, in hangars, and during training exercises, leading to significant exposure for military personnel.

Municipal firefighters, airport firefighters, and industrial workers who routinely used AFFF in their jobs are also among the groups at high risk of PFAS exposure.

Over time, these individuals have experienced devastating health impacts, such as kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and other serious illnesses.

The AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit seeks to hold PFAS manufacturers accountable for failing to protect those who relied on their products.

Thousands of affected individuals and their families are pursuing compensation to cover medical costs, lost wages, and the emotional toll these illnesses have caused.

If you or a loved one were exposed to AFFF and later developed complications, you could be eligible for compensation for your pain and suffering.

Contact TorHoerman Law’s team of Firefighting Foam Attorneys for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you’re eligible to file an AFFF Lawsuit instantly.

AFFF Lawsuit Settlement Amounts: Projections and Estimations

Currently, no settlements have been finalized in the AFFF Litigation.

However, based on outcomes from prior mass tort cases, lawyers estimate that individual AFFF Lawsuit settlement amounts may range from $20,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on the specifics of each case.

These projections consider factors such as the severity of health conditions, duration and intensity of exposure, and the strength of the legal claim.

It’s crucial to understand that these figures are projections and do not guarantee actual compensation amounts.

The final settlement for any individual case will depend on its unique circumstances, including medical evidence, exposure history, and legal considerations.

For personalized guidance regarding potential compensation, it’s advisable to consult directly with an experienced AFFF Lawyer.

Our AFFF Lawyers provide free, no-obligation consultations where we can discuss the specifics of your case, potential for compensation, and your legal options.

Contact us today, or use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation to find out if you are eligible to file an AFFF Lawsuit instantly.

Is There an AFFF Class Action Lawsuit?

No, there is not an AFFF Class Action Lawsuit.

AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL 2873) in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina.

MDL is a legal process that groups together similar cases to streamline pre-trial proceedings, share discovery, and ensure consistency in rulings.

Unlike a class action, where plaintiffs are treated as one group with a single outcome, in MDL, each case remains individual and can result in separate settlements or verdicts based on the unique circumstances of each plaintiff.

The MDL process helps manage the large number of AFFF Firefighting Foam cases more efficiently, while still allowing for personalized outcomes.

This structure benefits plaintiffs by speeding up the legal process while ensuring their specific exposure to AFFF and health issues are considered individually.

For those exposed to AFFF firefighting foam, the MDL offers a clear path for pursuing compensation without being grouped into a single class action.

Many law firms and advertisers on the internet refer to the AFFF Litigation as the “AFFF Class Action Lawsuit”, “Firefighting Foam Class Action MDL”, and other similar terms, but these classifications are incorrect.

The AFFF Firefighting Foam MDL operates under a separate and distinct legal process than class action cases.

How Many AFFF Lawsuits Have Been Filed? Current Status of the Aqueous Film Forming Foams MDL

The Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) MDL continues to grow, with over 7,600 pending AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits filed as of January 2025.

New AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits are currently being filed by lawyers across the country.

Who are the Plaintiffs in the AFFF Personal Injury Lawsuits?

AFFF personal injury claims are being filed by individuals who have suffered serious health risks after exposure to PFAS-containing AFFF foam.

The group of plaintiffs is comprised of people from different industries where AFFF was commonly used, such as military personnel, firefighters, and workers in industrial settings.

Many plaintiffs have been diagnosed with severe health problems, including cancers, as a result of prolonged or repeated AFFF exposure.

Plaintiffs in the AFFF Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) include:

• Military personnel exposed to AFFF on bases and in training exercises
  • AFFF has been used by the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard
• Airport firefighters who routinely handled AFFF for emergencies and training
• Municipal firefighters exposed to AFFF during fire suppression activities
• Local water supplies contaminated by AFFF
• Firefighters who were exposed to PFAS chemicals in firefighting gear

Who are the Defendants in AFFF Lawsuits?

AFFF Lawsuits are being filed against a number of manufacturers and distributors of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) and the PFAS chemicals it contains.

These companies are accused of failing to warn users about the serious health risks associated with PFAS exposure, despite evidence showing the harmful effects of these chemicals.

The defendants in AFFF Lawsuits include some of the largest chemical and industrial manufacturers in the world, many of whom supplied AFFF to firefighters, military personnel, and industrial workers for decades.

Defendants in the AFFF Lawsuit include:

• 3M Company
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
• The Chemours Company
• Tyco Fire Products LP
• Kidde-Fenwal, Inc.
• National Foam, Inc.
• Chemguard, Inc.
• AGC Chemicals
• Arkema, Inc.
• Dynax Corporation
• BASF Corporation

What is Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) and Why is it Used?

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a specialized foam used by firefighters, military personnel, and industrial workers to quickly suppress fires involving flammable liquids like gasoline and jet fuel.

AFFF firefighting foam has the ability to rapidly create a barrier between the fuel and oxygen, making it highly effective for controlling dangerous fires.

AFFF has been widely used in military bases, airports, chemical plants, and firefighting operations for decades.

While effective for fighting fires, AFFF also contains cancer-causing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have been linked to cancer, birth defects, heart disease, hormonal imbalances, and other complications.

Government agencies have already started working to destroy PFAS and phase out firefighting foams.

Many people who have used or been exposed to AFFF at work and in their community now face serious health complications from PFAS exposure.

These workers and their families were told that AFFF Firefighting Foam was safe, but they are now dealing with health problems and medical bills related to their exposure to PFAS.

What are PFAS (Forever Chemicals)?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a class of thousands of synthetic compounds developed in the 1940s.

These chemicals are utilized for their water-resistant, heat-resistant, and grease-repellent properties, which made them useful in a variety of industrial and consumer applications.

PFAS have been used in everything from non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing to food packaging and firefighting foam (AFFF).

Their durability, however, comes with a major downside: PFAS do not easily break down in the environment or the human body, leading to persistent contamination and bioaccumulation, impacting the environment and human health over time.

The widespread use of PFAS in products like AFFF firefighting foam gained momentum in the 1960s, particularly within military and firefighting operations.

AFFF was used extensively to combat flammable liquid fires, especially on military bases, airports, and in industrial settings.

While PFAS were highly effective for firefighting, concerns about their environmental and health risks began to surface in the following decades.

In the 1990s and 2000s, studies started to show that PFAS were present in soil, water supplies, and even in the bloodstream of humans worldwide.

This raised alarms about the chemicals’ potential to cause serious health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and immune system dysfunction.

The discovery of the long-term effects of PFAS exposure triggered a wave of regulatory scrutiny and legal action.

Government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) labeled PFAS as a public health concern, and numerous lawsuits were filed against the manufacturers of AFFF and other PFAS-containing products.

As the legal battles continue, PFAS are being phased out in many industries, though their legacy of contamination remains widespread, prompting cleanup efforts and ongoing litigation.

The persistence of PFAS in the environment and their ability to bioaccumulate in the human body have made them a focal point of public health advocacy and legal claims.

PFAS chemicals remain in the bloodstream for years, leading to long-term exposure risks, which is why individuals affected by AFFF are pursuing compensation through AFFF Lawsuits.

The discovery of PFAS contamination in water sources near military bases, airports, and manufacturing facilities has only intensified the urgency of addressing the long-lasting impact of these “forever chemicals.”

Military Bases are Facing Extreme PFAS Contamination Due to AFFF Usage

The extensive use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has led to significant contamination at numerous U.S. military installations.

A 2018 analysis by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) identified and mapped hundreds of military sites in the U.S. where drinking water or groundwater is contaminated with PFAS at levels greatly exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s health guideline.

According to the EWG, more than 700 military bases in the United States have known or suspected PFAS contamination in groundwater.

In response to this growing concern, the Department of Defense (DoD) has initiated assessments and remediation efforts.

As of March 2022, the DoD released a PFAS Program Fact Sheet detailing ongoing initiatives to address PFAS contamination, including identifying affected sites and implementing cleanup measures.

Despite these efforts, the legacy of AFFF use continues to pose environmental and health challenges for military personnel and surrounding communities.

Health Risks Linked to AFFF Firefighting Foam Exposure

Exposure to toxic chemicals in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) has been linked to a number of serious, sometimes life-threatening complications.

AFFF firefighting foams contain PFAS that have been labeled a public health concern by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

The toxic properties of PFAS make them highly dangerous, as they accumulate in the bloodstream and organs with continued exposure.

Once inside the body, PFAS can disrupt normal bodily functions and are particularly concerning because of their potential to cause harm even at low levels of exposure.

As the body of research on PFAS grows, health authorities continue to warn about the serious and often irreversible effects of these chemicals, particularly for those who have been exposed over long periods.

Firefighting Foam Cancer Risk

Research has increasingly shown that AFFF firefighting foam contains harmful PFAS chemicals, which have the ability to accumulate in organs over time, where they can disrupt normal cell functions and cause significant damage.

Studies have linked PFAS exposure to a heightened risk of developing cancer, particularly in individuals who have had prolonged or frequent contact with AFFF.

As scientific understanding of the dangers of PFAS continues to grow, so too does the concern about the severe health impacts faced by those exposed to these toxic chemicals.

Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have noted increased risks of certain cancers associated with exposure to PFAS.

Cancers that have been associated with PFAS chemicals include:

• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid cancer

AFFF Cancer Lawsuits are being filed by military service members, municipal and military firefighters, and others who were exposed to AFFF and subsequently developed cancer.

Reach out to our AFFF Cancer Lawyers for a free consultation. We are here to help you.

Other Health Risks Linked to PFAS Exposure in AFFF

Beyond cancer, exposure to PFAS chemicals in AFFF firefighting foam has been associated with a wide range of other serious health issues.

PFAS chemicals have been shown to interfere with various bodily systems, including the immune system, liver function, and hormone regulation.

Long-term exposure to PFAS can lead to chronic conditions that significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, often developing silently over years of repeated contact

Other health problems associated with PFAS chemicals include:

• Ulcerative colitis
• Thyroid disease
• Liver damage
• Immune system suppression
• Reproductive and fertility issues
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Developmental issues in children
• Hormonal imbalances
• Cardiovascular disease
• Kidney dysfunction

Scientific Studies on the Human Health Effects of AFFF Exposure

Over the years, significant scientific research has been conducted to understand the health effects of AFFF firefighting foam and its toxic PFAS compounds.

As awareness of the dangers of exposure to PFAS grew, numerous studies have been published linking these chemicals to a wide range of serious health conditions.

AFFF was widely used by firefighters, military personnel, and industrial workers, leading to prolonged and repeated exposure to PFAS, often at dangerously high levels.

This body of research has been crucial in identifying the long-term risks of PFAS exposure, particularly its potential to cause severe and life-threatening diseases.

The findings from these studies have not only informed regulatory actions but have also laid the foundation for the AFFF Lawsuit.

Below are several studies that have helped establish the connection between AFFF and the health risks now being widely recognized:

• Kidney Cancer: A study published in 2020 by the National Cancer Institute found that higher levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a type of PFAS, in blood serum were associated with an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma.
• Bladder Cancer: Research conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) identified an elevated risk of bladder cancer among individuals with significant exposure to PFAS-containing AFFF.
• Testicular Cancer: The C8 Health Project, a comprehensive study on PFAS exposure, reported a probable link between PFAS and testicular cancer.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Research has suggested an association between PFAS exposure and the development of ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease.
• Immune System Effects: Research published in 2023 reviewed how PFAS exposure impacts immune function, leading to weakened immune responses and reduced vaccine efficacy.
• Thyroid Dysfunction: A 2022 study found that higher levels of PFAS in the body were linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer and thyroid disease, emphasizing how these chemicals disrupt endocrine function.
• Reproductive and Developmental Issues: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) reported that PFAS exposure is associated with fertility issues and developmental problems in children.
• Cardiovascular Health: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has highlighted research showing a possible connection between PFAS and cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension.

How Does Exposure to Firefighting Foam Occur?

AFFF exposure can happen in a number of ways.

Occupational exposure to firefighting foam is the most common.

The introductory information on the MDL 2873 webpage also says the following in terms of AFFF exposure:

“These cases all involve varied causes of action and claims relating to per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Plaintiffs generally allege that aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) containing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and/or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), two types of PFAS, contaminated groundwater near various military bases, airports, and other industrial sites where AFFFs were used to extinguish liquid fuel fires.”

Do You Qualify for the AFFF Foam Lawsuit?

Exposure to AFFF firefighting foam poses serious health risks, including cancer, due to the toxic PFAS chemicals it contains.

The companies involved in manufacturing and distributing these products failed to warn users of the dangers, putting countless individuals and their families at risk for devastating health complications.

If you or a loved one were exposed to AFFF firefighting foam and subsequently developed cancer or other serious health risks, you may be eligible to file an AFFF Lawsuit and seek compensation.

Contact the experienced AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawyers at TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation to find out if you’re eligible to file an AFFF Lawsuit instantly.

AFFF Lawyers help individuals and their families throughout the legal process, completing crucial steps like gathering evidence and assessing damages, as well as keeping clients up-to-date on the status of their claim and the AFFF MDL as a whole.

Gathering Evidence for Your AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

Gathering evidence is essential to building and substantiating your AFFF Lawsuit claim.

Documentation can help establish the links between your exposure to AFFF and health problems you’ve experienced.

Having detailed and thorough records will support your AFFF claim and improve the chances of recovering fair compensation for what you’ve experienced.

Experienced AFFF Lawyers can help gather and retain crucial evidence.

Possible types of evidence for an AFFF Lawsuit include:

• Medical records documenting your diagnosis and treatment for related health conditions
• Employment records showing your work history in firefighting or other related industries
• Witness statements or testimony from coworkers about AFFF exposure
• Documentation of AFFF use at your workplace, including reports or safety data sheets
• Records of firefighting training or events where AFFF was used
• Expert testimony linking PFAS exposure to your specific health issues

Assessing Damages in an AFFF Cancer Lawsuit

In a legal context, damages refer to the compensation awarded to a plaintiff for the harm they have suffered due to another party’s negligence.

Damages are meant to cover the financial, physical, and emotional losses resulting from PFAS exposure.

Properly assessing these damages is crucial to ensuring you receive fair compensation for the significant impact the exposure has had on your life.

Experienced Firefighting Foam Attorneys can help you assess damages and calculate compensation for your AFFF Lawsuit.

Possible damages in AFFF Lawsuits may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress
• Lost earning ability
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability
• Future medical expenses and therapy costs
• Loss of consortium
• Other compensatory and punitive damages

Why Hiring Experienced Firefighting Foam Attorneys for Your Claim is Important

Contact an AFFF attorney with experience in toxic tort, chemical exposure, and personal injury lawsuits to discuss your potential case.

An experienced law firm will work diligently through the civil litigation process to prove liability and help ensure your case is as strong as possible.

TorHoerman Law understands that AFFF Foam Lawsuits may involve cancer diagnosis and other hardships endured by victims and their families.

Our law firm will work tirelessly to ensure that you and your family are fully compensated for exposure to firefighting foam and the health issues related to AFFF exposure.

Any law firm you contact for your claim should be willing to go the extra mile to secure compensation that you are rightfully owed.

Always take the choice of a lawyer with extreme discretion.

Meet Our AFFF Lawyers

TorHoerman Law is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm dedicated to representing individuals affected by Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) exposure.

Our team combines extensive experience with a commitment to seeking justice for our clients.

Our Founder: Tor Hoerman

Tor Hoerman, the founder of our law firm, has been at the forefront of mass tort litigation for over two decades.

Tor has built a reputation for taking on some of the largest corporations in the world, holding them accountable for their negligence in cases that have caused widespread harm to consumers and communities.

His extensive experience in fighting for justice against powerful entities directly relates to his advocacy in seeking compensation for those filing AFFF Lawsuits.

Tor’s leadership is accompanied by a team of dedicated attorneys who focus on the intricacies of each case we take on and have a proven track record of securing compensation for individuals harmed at no fault of their own.

Steve Davis

As a partner at TorHoerman Law, Steve Davis brings extensive experience in managing the firm’s client intake team and guiding clients through the complex legal processes of national litigations in federal court.

Steve has a deep understanding of the AFFF firefighting foam litigation and is skilled in keeping clients informed about the progression of their individual claims.

His hands-on approach ensures that clients are always aware of their case’s status and are supported through each step of the legal process.

Steve’s dedication to clear communication allows him to serve as a vital resource for individuals affected by AFFF foam exposure, ensuring they receive personalized attention and updates on their case’s progression.

Chad Finley

Chad Finley serves as a partner at TorHoerman Law, where he leverages his decade of experience as a science and medical expert to help clients affected by AFFF exposure.

With an extensive background in assessing the long-term medical impacts of injuries, Chad plays a critical role in ensuring that clients receive comprehensive compensation for the full scope of their suffering.

His ability to accurately evaluate the medical ramifications of PFAS exposure enables him to assess damages meticulously, ensuring that victims of AFFF exposure are fairly compensated for both present and future medical needs.

Chad’s expertise in the AFFF litigation ensures that each client’s suffering is fully recognized, and he is dedicated to securing just compensation for the health impacts of PFAS exposure.

Ken Brennan

Ken Brennan is a trial attorney with over 20 years of experience specializing in personal injury and mass tort litigation.

At TorHoerman Law, Ken is known for his exceptional research skills and deep understanding of defense strategies.

His comprehensive knowledge of how insurance companies and large corporations defend personal injury claims allows him to build strategies that effectively counter their tactics, aiming to ensure that AFFF exposure victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Ken’s extensive trial experience and strategic approach to litigation make him a powerful advocate for clients impacted by AFFF firefighting foam, where his ability to anticipate and counter defense strategies is key to success.

Tyler Schneider

As the managing partner of TorHoerman Law, Tyler Schneider plays a pivotal role in overseeing the firm’s involvement in the AFFF litigation.

Working with Steve Davis and our client intake team, Tyler ensures that each client receives the attention and resources necessary for a successful legal outcome.

Tyler’s hands-on approach ensures that each case is handled with the utmost care, and his commitment to the firm’s clients ensures that individuals affected by AFFF exposure are supported throughout the litigation process.

Under Tyler’s leadership, TorHoerman Law continues to be a trusted advocate for individuals seeking justice in AFFF cases.

TorHoerman Law: Your Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawyers

TorHoerman Law’s team of experienced firefighting foam lawyers are representing those facing complications due to PFAS and firefighting foam exposure.

Our personal injury lawyers have helped thousands of victims across all 50 states take on hundreds of companies that put workers, community members, and consumers at risk.

Our law firm has helped clients gain over $4 Billion in verdicts and negotiated settlements to help them get back on the path to recovery.

If you or a loved one have developed cancer or other adverse health outcomes after being regularly exposed to fire fighting foam, you may be eligible to file an AFFF Cancer Lawsuit and seek financial compensation.

Contact TorHoerman Law AFFF Lawyers for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for an AFFF Foam Lawsuit instantly.