What Is AFFF and Why Are Firefighters Filing Lawsuits?

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a type of fire retardant used to suppress fires instigated by liquid and fuel-based fires, such as those involving petroleum and jet fuel. Firefighters working on the frontline have been using this fire suppressant for decades, most of them unaware of the toxic ‘forever chemicals’ that it contains. The AFFF works by forming a barrier layer between the fire and the oxygen present in the air, preventing the fire from staying ignited.  AFFF is largely used in military facilities, shore areas, and industrial spaces, and it has been causing serious health risks to the users, including kidney and testicular cancer.

The harmful effects of AFFF

The use of AFFF began in 1960 by the U.S. Navy, which was then followed by the Department of Defense using it for all military installations. Facilities like airports and shipping ports further started acquiring AFFF, and it has continued to the present date. AFFF is highly toxic, as it contains between 50% and 98% PFAS, a group of over 9,000 toxic chemicals, and both concentrations carry extreme risks for those exposed.

AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which have a strong and stable chemical structure that doesn’t allow them to break down easily, proving extremely harmful to the human body as it causes bioaccumulation. This is what gives them the name ‘forever chemicals’.

Understanding AFFF Lawsuit

Firefighting officials who have worked closely with AFFF have had to face serious health risks. The health risks exposed to are not minor, leading to cancers of different kinds. Anyone who has worked with AFFF firefighting foam and has developed a related illness is eligible to file the AFFF lawsuit. 

The firefighter foam lawsuit targets the manufacturers of firefighting foam, who not only showed utmost negligence by producing such equipment, but also by failing to notify of its detrimental effects, putting severe human lives at risk. 

AFFF lawsuits can be declared as mass tort cases because here, a number of victims come together who have had similar experiences and damages to file claims against the manufacturing companies. Each case is judged separately; however, the plaintiff gains an additional edge over shared evidence, expert testimonies, and other legal resources. To file this case and navigate through the entire process, mass tort attorneys can be of great help. 

Who Can File an AFFF Lawsuit?

• You may be eligible to file a claim if:
• You worked in a profession regularly exposed to AFFF (firefighter, military personnel, airport staff).
• You lived near a military or industrial site known for PFAS contamination.
• You were diagnosed with a qualifying illness after long-term exposure.
• A loved one died from a PFAS-related disease.

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Importantly, you don’t need to be actively employed anymore to file. Retirees and family members of deceased individuals can still participate in these mass tort cases.

Why Timely Action Matters

The firefighting officials who have been affected by PFAS-related illnesses cannot show delay, as it will hamper their chances of getting the rightful compensation. Even if you’re uncertain about your eligibility, speak to a mass tort attorney about your case. This will not only solve your queries and confusion but also smooth out the entire process, levelling up your chances of getting a fair settlement.

Type of Compensation a Firefighter is Entitled to:

If you seek compensation after you file an AFFF lawsuit, remember that you are eligible for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages or earning capacity
  
• Emotional and physical suffering
  
• Unforeseen death of an individual
• Future medical monitoring and treatments
  

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Compensation varies depending on the severity of the illness, impact on life, and evidence of exposure.

Why is Taking Legal Action Important?

The intention behind the AFFF lawsuit is not simply about extracting compensation fees from the manufacturing companies; it is more about fighting a legal battle and holding the manufacturers accountable for their highly irresponsible behaviour. This will demand responsibility from the big corporations and also regulate the manufacturing and circulation of toxic substances in the market, ensuring safety at every stage. 

If you or anyone you know suffered from the list of illnesses caused due to PFAS, this is your chance to come front and take up the case with a mass tort attorney. They would then evaluate the case, gather the relevant evidence, and navigate the case, ensuring your well-deserved justice. 

Conclusion

The AFFF lawsuit has not only helped the firefighting officials seek justice, but it has brought limelight to some of the significant topics, like occupational and environmental hazards in industrial and military facilities. There’s no need for our protectors to put their lives at risk. 

The firefighter foam lawsuit will encourage every professional community, including firefighters, to fight for their rights and expose the toxic legacy of PFAS contamination. Their fight represents a crucial step toward corporate responsibility, environmental protection, and a safer future for all.