What Is Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF)?

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a type of firefighting foam that is used in various industries and applications, including aviation, military, and petrochemical. AFFF creates a film barrier between the fuel and the oxygen, extinguishing dangerous fires.

The use of AFFF dates back to the 1960s, developed by several companies, including 3M, Chemguard, and Tyco Fire Products. These companies have been among the leading manufacturers of AFFF and have supplied it to various industries and countries around the world.

Certain types of firefighting foam contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of man-made chemicals that are highly resistant to degradation and are known to be toxic to human health and the environment. The presence of PFAS in AFFF has raised concerns about the dangers of direct exposure to firefighting foam, as well as their potential to contaminate drinking water and harm wildlife.

AFFF Firefighting Foam and Testicular Cancer

Research has found that exposure to fire fighting foam may increase the risk for testicular cancer.

Published in 2020, “Serum Concentrations of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Risk of Renal Cell Carcinoma“, found an increased risk for kidney cancer in people exposed to AFFF.

Research suggests that there is also an increased risk for testicular cancer in people exposed t PFAS chemicals. The National Cancer Institute is conducting a study, similar to the one mentioned above, that will study the blood serum concentrations in men diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The case-control study will look at “…serum PFAS levels and testicular cancer risk will asPFAS levels will be determined for the earliest and latest (two or more years prior to diagnosis) banked serum samples stored in DoDSR from 800 Air Force servicemen who later developed testicular cancer on active duty and 800 Air Force cancer-free controls.”

PFAS Chemicals in Firefighting Foam and Effects on Human Health

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

Urged by the Environmental Protection Agency, the US 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. With the number of chemicals used in firefighting foam, the health impacts of them are widespread.

The health of airport firefighters, military firefighters, chemical plant workers, and workers who transport and manufacture firefighting foam is especially at risk.

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 women 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.

AFFF Environmental Contamination

AFFF firefighting foam has been found to have a devastating impact on the environment. AFFF is the number one contributor to PFAS contaminated drinking water.

One of the challenges in removing PFAS from the environment is that they are highly soluble in water and easily spread, contaminating groundwater, drinking water, and other natural areas. PFAS do not degrade naturally and persist in the environment for a long time, building up over time and increasing the risk of exposure to these harmful chemicals for hundreds or even thousands of years.

AFFF Lawsuits have been filed by state and city governments, as well as municipal water authorities over environmental contamination. These agencies have joined the litigation against AFFF Manufacturers:

• State of Michigan
• State of New Hampshire
• State of Ohio
• State of Vermont
• A water district that serves Birmingham, Alabama
• Thornton, CO
• Philadelphia, PA
• La Crosse, WI
• Peshtigo, WI
• Baltimore, MD
• The Water Replenishment District of Southern California
• Camden and Point Pleasant, NJ
• The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Pittsboro, NC
• Fairbanks, AK
• Many other cities and local water agencies

For more updates on the AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits, visit this page. You are also welcome to contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation to see if you qualify to file an AFFF Lawsuit today.

Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

It is currently too early to determine exactly what the average AFFF Lawsuit settlement may be. Our Firefighting Foam Lawyers estimate that the average AFFF settlement will be between $100,000 and $300,000.

These estimations for the firefighting foam lawsuit settlement amounts are only estimations based on prior mass tort cases. This is not a guarantee of financial compensation in the AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit.

As the AFFF litigation develops further, more specific numbers on average AFFF settlement amounts will become available.

Do You Qualify to File an AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one have been exposed to PFAS from AFFF Firefighting Foam and were subsequently diagnosed with cancer or complications, you could be eligible for compensation through an AFFF lawsuit.

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

Gathering Evidence For AFFF Lawsuits

Evidence in an AFFF lawsuit is extremely important. Your AFFF lawyers with help you determine what evidence to present in a court of law.

Evidence in AFFF 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

Firefighting foam cancer lawyers will help victims assess their damages. Damages refer to the total economic and non-economic losses a person has suffered due to AFFF exposure.

Experienced firefighting foam lawyers, with the help of the claimant, will calculate your damages and demand compensation from the defendants.

Typical damages for AFFF 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

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.

TorHoerman Law: Your Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawyers

The AFFF Lawyers at TorHoerman Law have won over $4 billion in prior mass tort cases and personal injury litigations.

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 Firefighting Foam 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.