AFFF Firefighting Foam: Health Risks & Injury Lawsuits

At Keefe Law Firm, we are committed to holding large corporations accountable for the harm their products cause. For decades, Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has been used by military personnel, firefighters, and industrial workers to extinguish dangerous liquid fires. While AFFF is effective in fire suppression, it contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — persistent chemicals known to have serious consequences for human health and the environment. Our attorneys are here to help those impacted by AFFF exposure pursue justice and fair compensation.

What is AFFF Firefighting Foam?

AFFF firefighting foam was developed to control and extinguish high-intensity fires fueled by petroleum and other flammable liquids. This type of foam is commonly used in military operations, firefighting training, and industrial facilities. Although effective in controlling fires, AFFF’s chemical composition poses a grave environmental and health threat. The PFAS chemicals within AFFF, also referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, do not break down over time and can remain in water, soil, and human tissue indefinitely. This long-lasting contamination affects ecosystems, drinking water supplies, and individuals who come into contact with these chemicals.

The Health Risks of PFAS Exposure

PFAS chemicals have been linked to numerous severe health issues, particularly among individuals with prolonged or high levels of exposure. The toxic nature of PFAS has raised serious concerns, as studies have shown that these chemicals can lead to the following health conditions:

• Kidney Cancer: PFAS exposure is associated with a significantly increased risk of kidney cancer, particularly in those exposed over long periods. Kidney cancer can be aggressive, leading to extensive treatments and lifelong health implications.
• Liver Cancer: PFAS chemicals are known to accumulate in the liver, disrupting its function and potentially leading to liver cancer. This type of cancer is challenging to treat and often results from long-term exposure to harmful substances.
• Testicular Cancer: Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a heightened risk of testicular cancer, a rare but severe form of cancer. This risk is especially prevalent among those who have had prolonged exposure to PFAS-containing substances, such as AFFF.
• Thyroid Disease and Thyroid Cancer: PFAS are known endocrine disruptors, affecting hormonal balance and leading to thyroid disorders. This disruption can contribute to both thyroid disease and thyroid cancer, with potential lifelong impacts on metabolism and overall health.
• Ulcerative Colitis: PFAS exposure has also been associated with inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. This condition involves chronic inflammation of the colon and can lead to severe discomfort, lifestyle changes, and increased cancer risk over time.

At Keefe Law Firm, we understand the toll that these health issues can take on individuals and families. Our team is committed to fighting for those who have suffered due to exposure to PFAS in AFFF, helping them seek compensation for the medical expenses, pain, and losses caused by these toxic chemicals.

How AFFF Contaminates Our Environment

One of the most troubling aspects of AFFF use is its widespread impact on the environment. When AFFF is used, PFAS chemicals can seep into soil, contaminating nearby water sources and affecting local ecosystems. This contamination is particularly concerning for communities near military bases, airports, and industrial sites where AFFF has been heavily used. Once PFAS leaches into water supplies, it can spread far beyond the initial site of contamination, making it nearly impossible to contain and remediate fully. People and wildlife that rely on contaminated water sources are exposed to these harmful chemicals with each use.

For decades, manufacturers and distributors of AFFF have known about the risks PFAS pose but have continued to market these products without adequate warnings. At Keefe Law Firm, we are dedicated to holding these corporations accountable for the harm they have inflicted on public health and the environment.

Taking Legal Action: Who Can File an AFFF Lawsuit?

Legal action against AFFF manufacturers is an essential step for those impacted by PFAS contamination. Filing a lawsuit can help individuals and communities recover compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Those who may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit include:

• Firefighters and Military Personnel: Those who have used AFFF in training or real-life firefighting scenarios and have developed health issues linked to PFAS exposure.
• Airport Workers and Industrial Workers: Individuals working in environments where AFFF was regularly used or handled.
• Residents in Affected Areas: Communities near military installations, airports, or industrial sites where AFFF use has contaminated water supplies, leading to exposure through drinking water and other means.

If you have been affected by PFAS exposure from AFFF, Keefe Law Firm is here to provide the support, legal guidance, and representation you need.

What to Expect from Your AFFF Lawsuit

Pursuing an AFFF lawsuit is a way to seek justice and compensation for the harm caused by PFAS exposure. The process typically involves:

1. Case Evaluation: Our attorneys will evaluate your situation to determine eligibility and develop a tailored strategy for your case.
2. Evidence Collection: We gather evidence to demonstrate your exposure to AFFF, health effects linked to PFAS, and the negligence of AFFF manufacturers and distributors.
3. Negotiations and Trial: Keefe Law Firm fights for a fair settlement, but if negotiations do not lead to an adequate offer, we are prepared to take your case to trial to advocate for maximum compensation.

Why Choose Keefe Law Firm?

For over 20 years, Keefe Law Firm has been advocating for individuals and communities affected by corporate negligence and environmental contamination. Our team is deeply committed to holding big polluters accountable and protecting public health. We understand the complexity of AFFF lawsuits and have the resources, expertise, and tenacity to pursue justice for our clients. When you work with Keefe Law Firm, you’re choosing a team that will stand by your side from start to finish.

Contact Keefe Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has suffered from exposure to AFFF firefighting foam, don’t wait to take action. The health risks associated with PFAS are serious and long-lasting, and you deserve justice and compensation for the harm inflicted by these chemicals. Contact Keefe Law Firm today for a free consultation, and let us help you hold those responsible for PFAS contamination accountable.