AFFF Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

AFFF Lawsuit Overview

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) lawsuits involve firefighting foam containing dangerous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been linked to cancer and other serious health risks. The primary allegations against manufacturers like 3M, Chemguard, Tyco Fire Products, National Foam, and Buckeye Fire Equipment claim they knowingly sold AFFF containing harmful chemicals. These lawsuits are currently being consolidated into a multi-district litigation (MDL) in South Carolina Federal Court.

Latest AFFF Lawsuit Updates

March 18, 2025 – The Lawsuit Information Center provides a comprehensive overview of ongoing AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits, detailing the health risks linked to PFAS chemicals and the legal actions pursued against manufacturers for environmental contamination and associated health issues [1].

As of March 24, 2025 – Schmidt & Clark continues to accept new AFFF lawsuits in all 50 states for individuals who developed cancer after exposure to firefighting foam, consistent with ongoing litigation trends observed in early 2025.

July 1, 2018 – Washington state banned the use of firefighting agents containing PFAS for training purposes and prohibited the manufacture, sale, or distribution of such foams starting July 1, 2020, with exemptions for certain uses (e.g., military, FAA-certified airports), setting a precedent for other states.

AFFF Market and Impact Statistics

• AFFF has been widely used at oil refineries, offshore platforms, chemical plants, aviation operations, and military facilities since the 1960s.
• The U.S. Military, especially the Navy, has extensively used AFFF for decades, including during training exercises.
• AFFF is formulated in various types, including traditional AFFF for hydrocarbon-based fires and alcohol-resistant AFFF (AR-AFFF) for polar solvent-based fires.
• AFFF is effective at low expansion ratios (<20), with minimum application rates as low as 0.10 gpm/ft² on Type I and II discharge devices and 0.16 gpm/ft² on standard sprinklers, per NFPA standards.

Health Reports and Statistics

• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified PFOA, a chemical in AFFF foam, as a Group 2B carcinogen (‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’) in 2017. The EPA refers to PFAS chemicals in AFFF as “forever chemicals” because:
  • The elemental bonds between fluorine and carbon are extremely strong, making them difficult to break down.
  • PFAS chemicals remain in the body for very long periods.
  • PFAS can contaminate both soil and drinking water.
• Studies have linked heavy exposure to AFFF foam with increased risk of testicular and kidney cancer.

AFFF Injuries & Side Effects

AFFF foam exposure has been linked to numerous serious health conditions, particularly various forms of cancer:

• Kidney cancer: Associated with prolonged PFAS exposure
• Testicular cancer: One of the most documented cancers linked to AFFF
• Pancreatic cancer: Linked to PFAS chemical exposure
• Thyroid disease: Including potential thyroid cancer risks
• Bladder cancer: Associated with firefighting foam chemicals
• Breast cancer: Potential link to PFAS exposure
• Liver cancer: Documented in exposed individuals
• Blood cancers: Including leukemia and lymphoma
• Neuroendocrine tumors: Rare cancers potentially linked to chemical exposure
• Prostate cancer: Higher rates observed in exposed populations

Do You Qualify for an AFFF Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an AFFF lawsuit if:

• You were exposed to AFFF foam as a firefighter, military personnel, or at an industrial site
• You developed cancer or other serious health conditions following exposure
• Your condition required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to AFFF exposure

Evidence Required for an AFFF Lawsuit

To strengthen your AFFF lawsuit, you’ll need:

• Medical records documenting your diagnosis and treatment
• Employment records showing your work history and potential exposure
• Documentation of AFFF use at your workplace
• Evidence establishing a timeline between exposure and diagnosis

Damages You Can Recover

An AFFF lawsuit could provide compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral expenses (in wrongful death cases)

AFFF High-Risk Occupations

Those at highest risk for AFFF-related health issues include:

• Airport Firefighters: Until 2018, FAA required PFAS-containing foam at airports
• Military Firefighters: The U.S. Navy and other branches used AFFF since the 1960s, even during training
• Industrial Firefighters: Those working at chemical plants, oil refineries, and other facilities using AFFF
• Fire Training Instructors: Regular exposure during training exercises

Statute of Limitations for AFFF Lawsuits

Time limits for filing an AFFF lawsuit vary by state. These statutes of limitations typically begin from the date of:

• Initial diagnosis of your condition
• Discovery that your condition may be linked to AFFF exposure

It’s critical to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure you don’t miss the deadline for filing your claim.

FAQs

1. What are the side effects of AFFF exposure?

AFFF contains carcinogens that may cause various types of cancer including kidney, testicular, pancreatic, and bladder cancer. Less severe conditions may also result from firefighting foam exposure.

2. How does AFFF affect people?

Studies have linked firefighting foam exposure to many forms of cancer. It may also cause fetal/child development issues and numerous other health problems due to the PFAS chemicals that remain in the body for extremely long periods.

3. What is AFFF?

AFFF stands for Aqueous Film Forming Foam, a substance used to fight high-temperature fires, particularly fuel fires. For decades it contained toxic PFAS chemicals that can cause long-term health problems in humans as well as environmental risks.

4. Can AFFF harm the environment?

Yes. PFAS chemicals in AFFF foam, such as PFOA and PFOS, contaminate groundwater and soil in places where they were used, creating long-lasting environmental damage due to their inability to break down naturally.

5. Does AFFF cause cancer?

Studies have shown that common compounds in AFFF are carcinogenic. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFOA, a chemical in AFFF, as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” based on epidemiological evidence.

6. Who is responsible for AFFF exposure?

AFFF manufacturers including 3M, Chemguard, Tyco Fire Products, National Foam, and Buckeye Fire Equipment are being held responsible for adding PFAS to firefighting foam despite allegedly knowing the health risks.

7. What compensation would be available if I was exposed to AFFF?

Compensation varies based on individual circumstances but may include damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. The exact amount depends on the severity of your condition and its impact on your life.

Related Articles:

• Firefighter Foam Lawsuit
• DuPont AFFF Litigation
• Firefighter Foam Cash Settlement Info

See all related toxic tort cases our lawyers have covered.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for AFFF-related injuries. Most states have a statute of limitations of only 2-3 years from the date of diagnosis or discovery of the connection between your illness and AFFF exposure.

Schmidt & Clark, LLP  services include:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

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Reference: 

[1] https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/afff-firefighting-foam-lawsuit.html