AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam)
AFFF Lawsuits: Fighting for Justice Against PFAS Contamination
Were You Exposed to AFFF Firefighting Foam?
If you or a loved one worked with AFFF and developed cancer or other serious health problems, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Call us now at (917) 526-2673.
What is AFFF?
“AFFF” stands for Aqueous Film Forming Foam. It’s a special type of firefighting foam that has been used for decades to put out dangerous fuel fires. AFFF works by creating a thin layer over burning liquids like gasoline, jet fuel, and oil. This layer cuts off the oxygen supply and stops the fire from spreading. he problem is that AFFF contains toxic chemicals called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals are often called “forever chemicals” because they never break down in the environment or in our bodies. Once PFAS gets into your system, it stays there for years and can cause serious health problems.
Who Made AFFF?
Several major companies have manufactured AFFF over the years. The main defendants in current lawsuits include:
- 3M Company — One of the largest manufacturers of AFFF and PFAS chemicals
- DuPont — Created many of the PFAS chemicals used in AFFF
- Chemours — A spin-off company from DuPont that continued making PFAS
- Tyco Fire Products — Major supplier of AFFF to fire departments
- Buckeye Fire Equipment — Another major AFFF manufacturer
- National Foam — Supplied AFFF to military and civilian users
- Ansul (part of Johnson Controls) — Made AFFF for industrial and municipal use
Important: These companies knew about the dangers of PFAS chemicals for decades but continued selling AFFF without proper warnings.
Health Problems Caused by AFFF
Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to many serious health conditions. People who worked with AFFF have developed:
- Kidney Cancer — One of the most common cancers linked to PFAS
- Testicular Cancer — Particularly affecting younger men
- Prostate Cancer — Higher rates in firefighters and military personnel
- Bladder Cancer — Linked to long-term PFAS exposure
- Liver Cancer — Studies show increased risk with PFAS exposure
- Pancreatic Cancer — Aggressive cancer linked to PFAS
- Thyroid Disease — Including thyroid cancer and other disorders
- Ulcerative Colitis — Inflammatory bowel disease
- High Cholesterol — PFAS affects how the body processes fats
- Pregnancy Problems — Including pregnancy-induced hypertension
The Corporate Cover-Up
Internal company documents show that manufacturers knew AFFF was dangerous for decades but hid this information from the public. Here’s what we know:
- As early as the 1970s, companies like 3M and DuPont had studies showing PFAS chemicals were toxic and stayed in the human body for years. Instead of warning users, they kept selling AFFF and even fought against safety regulations.
- In the 1980s and 1990s, these companies conducted internal studies that showed PFAS caused cancer in laboratory animals. They buried these studies and didn’t share them with the EPA or other safety agencies.
- Company executives knew that firefighters and military personnel were being exposed to dangerous levels of PFAS, but they continued marketing AFFF as safe and effective. They even lobbied against stricter safety standards.
- The Truth: These companies put profits over people’s lives. They knew AFFF was dangerous but sold it anyway, causing thousands of people to develop cancer and other serious diseases.
Scientific Evidence
Numerous scientific studies have proven the link between AFFF exposure and serious health problems:
- The CDC and EPA have both recognized that PFAS chemicals cause cancer and other health problems. The EPA has stated that there is “no safe level” of PFAS exposure.
- Studies of firefighters show they have much higher rates of certain cancers compared to the general population. Research published in major medical journals has directly linked this to AFFF exposure.
- Military studies have found that service members who used AFFF during training or emergencies have elevated PFAS levels in their blood and higher cancer rates.
- Animal studies conducted by the manufacturers themselves showed that PFAS chemicals cause tumors, liver damage, and reproductive problems.
Who Was Exposed to AFFF?
Many different occupations have been exposed to AFFF over the years. If you worked in any of these jobs, you may have been exposed:
- Firefighters — Municipal, volunteer, and industrial firefighters
- Military Personnel — Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines, and Coast Guard
- Airport Workers — Crash rescue firefighters and emergency responders
- Oil Refinery Workers — Emergency response teams and safety personnel
- Chemical Plant Workers — Safety teams and emergency responders
- Military Contractors — Civilians working on military bases
- HAZMAT Teams — Hazardous material emergency responders
- Training Instructors — People who taught firefighting techniques
Even family members may have been exposed if firefighters brought contaminated gear home or if they lived near areas where AFFF was used.
Major Legal Victories
Courts across the country have recognized that AFFF manufacturers are responsible for the harm they’ve caused. Recent victories include:
- $10.3 billion settlement with 3M in 2023 to resolve water contamination claims from thousands of communities.
- $1.185 billion settlement with DuPont and Chemours for water system contamination.
- Individual jury verdicts have awarded millions to people who developed cancer from AFFF exposure. These cases are setting important precedents for future lawsuits.
Ongoing litigation continues to hold these companies accountable. Thousands of cases are still pending, and new cases are being filed regularly.
Time is Running Out
Every state has a statute of limitations for filing lawsuits. Don’t wait – contact us today to protect your rights.
Why Choose Andover Law?
Some law firms have signed Master Settlement Agreements (MSAs) with AFFF manufacturers. These agreements can help you get compensation much faster than waiting for individual trials. What this means for you: Instead of waiting years for your case to go to trial, you may be able to receive compensation within months through these settlement programs. Andover’s advantage: We have been involved in negotiating these settlement agreements from the beginning. This gives us insider knowledge of how to maximize your compensation and speed up the process. Streamlined process: We can quickly evaluate your case, gather the necessary medical records, and submit your claim to the appropriate settlement fund. Important: Not all law firms have access to these settlement programs. Make sure your attorney is part of the litigation leadership that negotiated these agreements. If you believe you were exposed to AFFF and have developed cancer or other serious health problems, time is critical. Here’s what you should do: Don’t let the corporations that poisoned you get away with it. You deserve justice and compensation for your suffering. Cal (917) 526-2673. We are available 24/7 — No obligation — Completely confidential AFFF manufacturers knew their products were dangerous but sold them anyway. They put profits over people’s lives, and now thousands of brave firefighters, military personnel, and other workers are paying the price with their health. You shouldn’t have to face this fight alone. Our experienced attorneys are here to hold these companies accountable and get you the compensation you deserve. We have the knowledge, resources, and determination to take on the biggest corporations in America. Remember: You have rights, and we’re here to protect them. Contact us today at (917) 526-2673 and let us fight for you!
Faster Compensation Through Settlement Agreements
What You Need to Do Today
Get Your Free Consultation Today
The Bottom Line