Firefighting Foam (AFFF)

AFFF “Firefighting Foam” Litigation

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, often referred to as AFFF, serves as a suppressant employed to combat flammable liquid fires, specifically Class B fires. This foam comprises HIGHLY TOXIC SUBSTANCES known as PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL (PFAS). PFAS is commonly labeled as a “forever chemical” due to its persistent nature. The noxious substances contained within AFFF persist within an individual’s body for an extended period of time.

About AFFF

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a chemical agent used to suppress fires fueled by gas, oil, and other flammables. AFFF has been used since the 1970s and is touted for its effectiveness at blanketing flames and preventing flammable liquids from spreading. But the same foam used to protect communities and military bases from fire hazards is also responsible for causing devastating health issues and diseases.

AFFF is a synthetic Class B fire suppressant foam. This surfactant is designed to spread a long distance quickly to efficiently contain and smother burning liquids, including oil and gasoline. The chemicals that help the foam spread and prevent reignition are the same harmful toxins that have long compromised the health of hardworking firefighters.

Because of how Aqueous Film-Forming Foam is used—spreading to coat an inflamed area—the risks of exposure are not limited to the person handling the fire extinguisher. Any item may be contaminated by foam waste, including personal protective equipment and firefighting gear, and when firefighters return home, they may bring these chemicals with them. Anyone employed at a fire station where these toxins were used may also be in jeopardy.

An AFFF fire extinguisher operates similarly to a standard apparatus to dispense a mix of surfactants, foam stabilizers, and water, resulting in a seemingly harmless but effective foam. Firefighters at aviation facilities and military bases knew this solution provided superior fire suppression, degreasing, and other applications, but were not aware of the hardships that would follow—except for the fire foam manufacturers. The companies producing the PFAS chemicals in AFFF foam disregarded their internal studies and research to continue reaping profits.

Is AFFF still used?

Even though health officials, environmental specialists, and government agencies agree that AFFF foam should be banned, it is only now being phased out at FAA-regulated airports, military facilities, and firehouses. Alternative solutions are in development and the Department of Defense has issued a deadline to discontinue the use of AFFF by October 1, 2024. Even when this dangerous firefighting foam is eliminated, the side effects of AFFF exposure will have already taken their toll on many innocent firefighters and their families.

Health Impacts

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the American Cancer Society (ACS), and other prominent health organizations have acknowledged potential links between specific PFAS chemicals and cancer among firefighters.
Medical findings establish a connection between AFFF exposure and the following diseases:

• Kidney Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Liver Cancer

You May Have a Legal Right to Compensation

If you or a loved you were injured as a result of AFFF or other PFAS exposure, please contact PPJ today at 312.527.4500, or visit us online.

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