AFFF Fire Fighting Foam
AFFF is a foam product that has been used since the 1960’s to combat fuel fires in military installations and municipal fire districts. In recent years, toxic chemicals in the foams called PFAS have been found to be carcinogenic to humans and increase health risks such as different types of cancer. While many manufacturers were aware of such risks to humans dating almost back to the release of the product, the risks were never openly reported to the public or users of the product. Unfortunately, firefighters who were using the foam and have been repeatedly exposed to PFAS have a significantly increased risk of health problems. People who receive drinking water from wells in areas close to large fire extinguishing projects like military bases and airports may also suffer such health risks. There are currently AFFF Lawsuits and litigation underway seeking justice for victims of this situation. The Russo Firm is a top mass litigation firm with an extensive record of successful trial outcomes. Consult with The Russo Firm to evaluate your case and get the help you deserve.
Uses Of AFFF
AFFF, or “Aqueous Film Forming Foam,” is a fire extinguishing foam usually employed for fires caused by flammable liquids like gas or other types of fuel (known as Class “B” fires). AFFF works as a foam coating that separates fire and fuel from the oxygen necessary for the fire to burn. It began being widely implemented by fire departments in the 1960’s and then on military bases in the 1970’s, and since then has been extensively used by military and civilian firefighters. AFFF is also used in fire suppression systems for sites like airplane hangars that have high risk for fuel fires.
Why AFFF Is Dangerous
AFFF is manufactured with polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are toxic and carcinogenic chemicals. PFAS don’t break down naturally like most chemicals and are known as a “forever chemical.” While they have been labeled “possibly carcinogenic” to humans, AFFF lawsuits have uncovered that product manufacturers had data reaching back to the 1960’s that exposure to AFFF and the PFAS it contains significantly raised the risks of developing certain cancers and other adverse health effects, including:
- Infertility
- Development effects in infants
- Lower infant birth weights
- Increased blood pressure during pregnancy
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Hormonal problems
- Impact on the immune system
- Increased risk of many types of cancers
AFFF and PFAS Elimination
AFFF manufacturers did include warnings on labels to avoid direct contact, but never warned of long-term exposure risks and adverse health effects. The public was also never warned about the dangers of PFAS in their drinking water, as AFFF can seep into groundwater when used in large quantities such as when military bases and airports practice extinguishing plane fires. Extensive research by third-party organizations, the CDC, and the EPA have determined that repeated exposure to PFAS is dangerous to human health. AFFF and PFAS bans vary state by state, and the EPA announced a long-term plan in 2021 dealing with the situation. However, thousands of families have been impacted by protracted circumstances and may be seeking legal recourse.
AFFF Lawsuits
AFFF lawsuits and litigation involve huge corporate manufacturers like 3M, along with potentially thousands of individual cases. The Russo Firm has the expertise, resource, and experience to bring this type of case to trial and seek compensation for victims along with punitive damages for the failures of the chemical companies to hold them accountable for the damage caused to victims.
Contact Us Today
If you’re an attorney with a client seeking further litigation against a manufacturer or to opt-out of a class action settlement, work with The Russo Firm to see how we can help and move your AFFF lawsuits forward. Call The Russo Firm today for a free initial consultation.