Thousands of individuals meet the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) lawsuit criteria due to the widespread use of hazardous firefighting suppressants. Discovering the connection between handling toxic foam and ensuing health complications can take years, especially if the symptoms are delayed.

AFFF Hazards: Firefighters at Risk

To join a foam lawsuit as a firefighter, you must have worked with Class B AFFF and subsequently been diagnosed with cancer or disease resulting from PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl) chemicals in the suppressant. Firefighters at risk may have been directly exposed by operating extinguishing equipment or cleaning foam waste, or put in harm’s way through secondhand contact by occupying a contaminated firehouse or using tainted gear. 

But even if you were not on the front line handling AFFF, you may still have the right to file a fire foam case. Personnel with ancillary roles may also have handled this noxious foam when testing Class B extinguishers, instructing fire and rescue courses, or performing maintenance at training sites.

Military Exposure to AFFF: What You Need To Know

Enlisting in the armed forces has always included associated risks, but no soldiers thought firefighting foam was one of them. Countless soldiers and sailors have been unknowingly exposed to dangerous AFFF since its use began in the 1960s. 

The Navy considers every sailor a firefighter, and historically, AFFF exposure began at boot camp for these recruits. Firefighting is a noble military career that soldiers consider themselves fortunate to earn. But the decades-long use of AFFF suppression systems has put these men and women at risk, and the Air Force and others are only now beginning to eliminate the use of PFAS chemicals.

Data from the Department of Defense lists at least 700 military bases with AFFF contamination resulting from training exercises or emergency responses. Because the ‘forever’ chemicals in this foam never break down, AFFF contamination in drinking water is also a persistent issue; the PFAS absorbed in the human body build up over time, causing serious health consequences. 

AFFF in the Workplace: Safety and Liability

Going to work is a right every American should be able to exercise without fearing the tools they need to execute the job will lead them to tragedy. Firefighters harmed by toxins in AFFF were providing for their families, serving our country, and protecting their communities from fire hazards. Manufacturers buried evidence of the health risks for years, knowingly allowing these workers to continue interacting with dangerous chemicals. 

If you’re experiencing health impacts due to a fire suppressant manufacturer’s negligence, tell us your story: It takes only a conversation to get started, and our compassionate team wants to listen. Holding companies accountable for the continued production of aqueous film-forming foam began our effort, but helping innocent people keeps us committed to it.