What is AFFF?
Military personnel and civilian firefighters have used Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) since the 1960s. This foam plays a crucial role in both training exercises and active firefighting efforts. Firefighters deploy AFFF to extinguish Class B fires, which are fires caused by flammable liquids and gases. As a result, all civilian firefighters have encountered AFFF during training sessions or while responding to Class B fires.
Many military personnel have been exposed to AFFF during training exercises or while dealing with fires on military bases. If you served in the U.S. Navy after 1970, you were almost certainly exposed, whether during basic training, on the ship, or in other operational settings. This widespread use has significantly increased the risk of exposure among both civilian and military personnel.
The Risks of PFAS in AFFF
Unfortunately, AFFF contains PFAS materials, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to environmental degradation. Scientists have identified PFAS as a carcinogen in animal studies, linking it to various types of cancer. Research shows that when individuals are exposed to AFFF, the PFAS materials bind strongly to both animal and human proteins and remain in the body for extended periods. With repeated exposures, PFAS levels accumulate in the human body, posing a serious and ongoing health threat.
Manufacturers were aware of these dangers but chose to conceal their findings from regulatory agencies. They falsely assured the public that AFFF and PFAS were safe, despite mounting evidence to the contrary. Additionally, they attempted to discredit and undermine scientific studies that exposed the risks associated with these harmful chemicals. This deliberate misinformation has had grave consequences for those exposed to AFFF.
Health Conditions Linked to AFFF Exposure
Based on extensive scientific evidence, exposure to AFFF is linked to the following severe health conditions:
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Thyroid disease
- Ulcerative colitis
Seek Justice for Firefighter Foam Cancer
Carey Danis & Lowe is accepting clients exposed to AFFF who have been diagnosed with the listed diseases. If you were exposed to AFFF and developed one of these conditions, contact Carey Danis & Lowe. Our St. Louis personal injury attorneys will help you determine your eligibility for the mass action lawsuit.
