AFFF Firefighting Foam and Ovarian Cancer Risk

AFFF exposure has been linked to various types of cancer, including ovarian cancer.

Researchers have published studies linking exposure to PFAS chemicals and the increased risk of ovarian cancer.

One study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found an increased risk of developing lymphoma, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and other serious health issues in people exposed to PFAS chemicals in water.

PFAS, while an inactive compound, can accumulate in the body.

PFAS chemicals replace fatty acids and prevent organ systems from working properly.

Some scientists even theorize that PFAS can confuse cell receptors, precipitating the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells.

Another recent study, published in the September 2023 edition of the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology found that exposure to PFAS chemicals and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals may play a role in the development of certain cancers, including ovarian cancer.

If you or a loved one were exposed to AFFF firefighting foam and subsequently developed ovarian cancer, you may be eligible to file an AFFF Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law’s AFFF lawyers for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the AFFF Lawsuit instantly.

PFAS Chemicals in Firefighting Foam and Effects on Human Health

Chemical manufacturers and the U.S. Navy, who first approved AFFF firefighting foam for use, knew about its toxic effects for decades.

Urged by the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Defense finally submitted an official warning stating that the dangerous chemicals in AFFF present an increased risk for serious health problems and environmental contamination.

In a number of research studies, PFAS have been linked to an increased risk for cancer and other serious health problems.

The health impacts of PFAS chemicals are widespread, and individuals exposed may be at an increased risk for several different health issues.

Studies on the links between AFFF exposure and health problems include the following:

• A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a statistically significant association between PFOA exposure and an increased risk of kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and ulcerative colitis.
• Another study published in the International Journal of Cancer found a positive association between PFOS exposure and breast cancer.
• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified PFOA as a possible carcinogen, and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a health advisory for PFOA and PFOS, stating that long-term exposure to these chemicals above certain levels could be harmful to human health.
• Researchers at National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Australia) found that firefighters were more likely to have fluorinated surfactants in their bloodstream.
• Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley studied the carcinogenic effects of PFAS on female firefighters and office workers, finding that firefighters who reported using firefighting foam in the past year had higher levels of several PFAS in their body compared to those who did not.

An Overview of the AFFF Lawsuits

In response to the growing concerns about the health risks associated with AFFF, numerous firefighting foam cancer lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of AFFF products.

AFFF lawsuits have been consolidated in a multidistrict litigation (MDL 2873) in the US District Court for the District of South Carolina.

Multidistrict litigation, commonly referred to as MDL, is a special federal legal procedure designed to speed the process of handling complex litigations by consolidating cases and addressing all pretrial procedures in one court.

Cases involving similar causation and injuries are consolidating them into a singular district court, ensuring that decisions and settlement amounts are consistent.

Individuals who have been exposed to firefighting foam products and subsequently developed health problems will likely have their cases consolidated into multidistrict litigation.

Why are AFFF Lawsuits Being Filed?

AFFF foam lawsuits seek to hold manufacturers accountable for allegedly producing and distributing products that may have posed health risks to those who used them.

Plaintiffs argue that manufacturers should have been aware of the potential dangers of PFAS compounds and that they should have taken steps to mitigate these risks.

What is the Average AFFF Lawsuit Settlement Amount?

No settlements have been reached in the AFFF litigation as of yet.

However, lawyers estimate that AFFF lawsuit settlement amounts may fall between $40,000 to $300,000 or more depending on the strength of the case and other individual factors.

These settlement figures are by no means a guarantee of financial compensation in the AFFF Lawsuit, they are merely projections based on knowledge of prior mass tort cases and settlements for cancer diagnosis.

Reach out to a firefighting foam law firm for more information on how settlement value is determined and what you can expect in your firefighting foam lawsuit.

Is There an AFFF Class Action Lawsuit?

No, there is not an AFFF Class Action Lawsuit.

As mentioned above, firefighting foam lawsuits are consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL), which is different from class action.

In an MDL, a settlement is distributed to plaintiffs according to the facts and damages present in each individual case.

Settlement compensation in MDL is determined according to the specific circumstances of each client.

In a class action case, however, settlement compensation is distributed evenly among all plaintiffs regardless of individual circumstances.

Every person in a class action lawsuit receives the same compensation.

For cases involving exposure to toxic chemicals and a more difficult determination on individual damages, multidistrict litigation works effectively.

Many law firms may refer to the AFFF MDL as the “AFFF Class Action Lawsuit” or the “AFFF Class Action MDL”, but these terms are incorrect.

Firefighter foam lawsuits are consolidated into an MDL, and plaintiffs who were exposed to firefighting foam regularly retain their individuality throughout the lawsuit.

Who Are the Defendants in the AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits?

Several companies have been named as defendants in AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits.

These are manufacturers and distributors that played a role in the unregulated use and spread of AFFF contaminants.

Defendants in the AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits include:

• 3M
• DuPont de Nemours Inc.
• Tyco Fire Products
• Chemguard Inc
• Chemours Company
• National Foam, Inc.
• Several other AFFF manufacturers

AFFF Firefighting Foam Exposure in Groundwater and Drinking Water

PFAS is water soluble, making it more prone to widespread contamination.

This is exactly what happened to various water tables, underground water reservoirs, and drinking water systems all over the country.

As toxic chemicals seep into the ground over time, PFAS builds up.

The high concentrations of PFAS chemicals in waterways have the potential to affect the health of millions of people.

Civilians may be unknowingly consuming small amounts of the chemical every day, leading to accumulation in their organ systems.

It’s not easy to remove PFAS in water sources.

Known as “forever chemicals”, PFAS can last in aquifers and water tables for hundreds if not thousands of years.

Many generations of Americans may still have to deal with PFAS contamination in the future.

For these reasons, several local governments and agencies have filed AFFF Lawsuits.

These include the states of Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Vermont.

Water agencies and certain towns and cities have also joined, such as Baltimore, MD; Pittsboro, NC; and Philadelphia, PA.

Filing an AFFF Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit

AFFF firefighting foam cancer lawsuits are being filed against manufacturers, and these lawsuits are being consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL).

The AFFF MDL aims to hold manufacturers liable for injuries and damages suffered by individuals exposed to PFAS chemicals in toxic firefighting foam.

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

Contact TorHoerman Law’s firefighting foam lawyers for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit instantly.

Firefighting foam cancer lawyers can help victims throughout the legal process, completing steps such as gathering evidence and assessing damages.

Firefighting foam lawyers will also make sure that plaintiffs meet required deadlines and will advocate on their behalf for an adequate firefighting foam settlement.

Gathering Evidence for AFFF Lawsuits

In an AFFF lawsuit, plaintiffs must provide compelling evidence to support their claims of harm or injury resulting from exposure to the toxic foam and its components.

AFFF lawyers can help victims gather and retain evidence crucial to their case.

Evidence in AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits may include:

• Medical records
• Cancer diagnosis information
• Employment records
• History of AFFF exposure
• Personal and witness testimony
• Any other information validating exposure to firefighting foam

Damages in Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

Damages refer to the total amount of losses, economic and non-economic, incurred as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals in AFFF foam.

Your attorney will help you assess and calculate total damages.

Damages in AFFF firefighting foam 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
• Other compensatory and punitive damages
• Loss of consortium

TorHoerman Law: Your Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawyers

Our law firm is currently accepting AFFF firefighting foam cases in all 50 states.

Exposure to toxic firefighting foam has been linked to numerous types of cancer and other serious health problems.

Our AFFF lawyers are known for holding large corporations and chemical manufacturers liable for the harm they’ve caused, and securing financial compensation for people harmed at no fault of their own.

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

Contact our experienced firefighting foam lawyers today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify to file an AFFF lawsuit instantly.

Reach out to our law firm with any questions you may have about the AFFF lawsuit, AFFF settlement amounts, the AFFF MDL, and more.

We’re here to help you.