AFFF Firefighting Foam Litigation
AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits Allege Exposure To AFFF Can Cause Cancer
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a type of firefighting foam that is commonly used to suppress fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and jet fuel. AFFF contains a mixture of fluorosurfactants and hydrocarbon surfactants that enable the foam to spread over the surface of the liquid and form a stable film that prevents the release of flammable vapors. AFFF has been widely used by firefighters, military personnel, and airport authorities for decades because of its effectiveness in extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids.
However, recent studies have shown that AFFF may contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are persistent chemicals that can accumulate in the environment and in human bodies.
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has been used in firefighting since the 1960s due to its effectiveness in extinguishing petroleum-based fires. It was initially developed for military use but quickly became a popular tool for civilian fire departments as well. AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are man-made chemicals that do not break down easily and can accumulate in the environment and human bodies.
The use of AFFF increased significantly after the Federal Aviation Administration mandated its use at airports in the 1970s, leading to widespread contamination of soil and water sources near airports and military bases. In recent years, concerns about the health effects of PFAS exposure have led to increased scrutiny of AFFF use, with many lawsuits alleging that exposure to AFFF can cause cancer and other serious health issues.
Exposure to AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) can occur through various means, including inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. Firefighters and military personnel who have used AFFF during training exercises or firefighting operations are at a higher risk of exposure. AFFF is typically used to extinguish petroleum-based fires, such as those involving jet fuel or gasoline. However, the foam contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are known to be toxic and persistent in the environment.
These chemicals can leach into the soil and groundwater, contaminating drinking water sources and exposing nearby communities to harmful levels of PFAS. Additionally, workers in industries that use AFFF as part of their operations may also be exposed to PFAS through accidental spills or improper disposal practices.
The health effects of AFF (aqueous film-forming) exposure have been a topic of concern in recent years, particularly among firefighters and military personnel. According to various studies, exposure to AFF can cause a range of health issues, including cancer, respiratory problems, and liver damage. The primary ingredient in AFF is per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known to be toxic and persistent in the environment.
When released into the air or water during firefighting operations, PFAS can contaminate nearby communities and potentially harm human health. Some of the most common types of cancer associated with AFF exposure include testicular cancer, kidney cancer, and thyroid cancer. Additionally, individuals who have been exposed to AFF may experience skin irritation or develop asthma-like symptoms due to the chemicals present in the foam.
Lawsuits have been filed against several manufacturers of AFFF firefighting foam, alleging that exposure to the chemical can cause cancer and other health problems and alleging that they knew about the health risks associated with AFFF but failed to warn users. Affected individuals and communities are seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from their exposure to AFFF.
Among the companies facing legal action are 3M, Chemours, and DuPont. The lawsuits claim that these companies knew about the dangers of AFFF but failed to warn firefighters and other users of the product. Some affected communities have also taken legal action against government entities responsible for contaminating local water supplies with AFFF.
The role of the government in regulating the use of AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) has become increasingly important in light of numerous lawsuits alleging that exposure to AFFF can cause cancer. In response, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken steps to regulate the use and disposal of AFFF.
The EPA has issued a lifetime health advisory for PFAS in drinking water and is working with states to set enforceable limits on PFAS in drinking water. Additionally, some states have taken their own measures to regulate or ban the use of AFFF containing PFAS, and the Department of Defense has developed a plan to phase out its use on military installations.
There are several alternatives to AFFF firefighting foam that are being increasingly used by fire departments and industrial facilities. One alternative is protein foam, which is made from animal products and has a lower environmental impact than AFFF. Another option is fluorine-free foam, which does not contain any PFAS compounds and has been shown to be effective in suppressing fires. Some facilities are also exploring the use of dry chemical agents or carbon dioxide as firefighting agents, although these options may not be as effective in certain situations.
Additionally, some fire departments are implementing new tactics such as rapid intervention teams and ventilation control to minimize the need for firefighting foam altogether. As awareness about the potential health and environmental risks of AFFF grows, there is increasing demand for safer alternatives that can still effectively combat fires while minimizing harm to people and the environment.
How We Can Help Your AFFF Litigation Practice Grow
We focus our advertising efforts on TV, radio, organic SEO (Google, Bing, Yahoo), Google Maps, Google Ads, Bing, Facebook, and Instagram, but depending on your ideal client profile, we may turn to other platforms. Unlike other mass tort ad agencies, we have experience with a number of different ad platforms, so we can use just the right one to get the job done. Our focus is on mobile marketing, utilizing Voice Search, to capture some of the best and highest-converting leads.
We also use remarketing and behavioral targeting in our lead-generation campaigns. Remarketing and behavioral targeting allow us to target the right people at the right time with the right message to get them on the phone.
Our latest technology utilizes our proprietary software that enables us to data mine information through third-party vendors, resulting in cases where leads have been matched with their medical histories, diagnosis, drug prescription, and treatments with exposure or usage of a caustic drug or chemical. This significantly reduces the cost of acquisition and provides a much higher value clients; one that has proof of usage or exposure; proof of diagnosis; and proof of treatment.
Why You Should Select Us As Your Mass Tort Case Acquisition Agency
Get started before your competitors do. There are only so many clients we can serve.
CONTACT US FOR A CUSTOM QUOTE.
CALL 833-937-6747 OR USE OUR REQUEST A QUOTE FORM.