The Link Between Firefighting Foam PFAS and Cancer
American firefighters have relied on AFFF to put out fires involving highly flammable liquids like jet fuel and petroleum since the 1960s.
AFFF contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are commonly known as PFAS. Public health agencies agree that these chemicals pose a threat to human health.
PFAS don’t break down easily in the environment or the body, which has earned them the nickname “forever chemicals.” Prolonged exposure can disrupt bodily functions and raise cancer risks.
“What is now known is that a single exposure to toxic AFFF by firefighters generally results in PFAS entering the body through inhalation or absorption. Furthermore, the toxin remains in the body for years.”
– International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
Over the past 50 years, many firefighters have been exposed to high levels of PFAS through the firefighting foam they used to put out dangerous fires and protect their communities.
Sadly, many of these brave men and women are being diagnosed with PFAS cancer today.
Our case managers are standing by to help those battling firefighting foam cancer get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Get a free case review right now to see if you qualify for an AFFF cancer lawsuit.
Types of Firefighting Foam Cancer
PFAS found in AFFF have been linked to several types of life-threatening cancers, as well as other health risks.
PFAS-related cancers and illnesses include:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Renal cancer (kidney cancer)
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Uterine or endometrial cancer
Those who have been exposed to high concentrations of PFAS are most at risk of fire foam cancer. This includes airport and U.S. military firefighters who relied on AFFF to suppress fuel fires and were exposed to dangerous chemicals in the process.
Firefighters are also at risk for PFAS cancer from the protective turnout gear they wear.
If you’re in a high-risk group for PFAS cancer, consider telling your doctor about your exposure to firefighting foam. They can monitor you for symptoms and order cancer screenings to protect your health.
- Cancer is the leading cause of death for firefighters in the United States, according to the IAFF.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that PFAS exposure may cause “harmful health effects.”
- A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives in July 2023 found that elevated blood levels of a PFAS chemical in active-duty Air Force servicemen were associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that firefighters under the age of 65 are more likely to develop bladder and prostate cancer than the general public.
- Repeat exposure to PFAS can increase the risk of firefighting foam cancer as the toxin builds up within the body.
Many firefighters battling PFAS cancer from toxic AFFF have already taken legal action to seek compensation to help pay for expenses related to their cancer diagnosis.
Who Can File a PFAS Firefighter Cancer Lawsuit?
You may be able to file a firefighting foam and cancer lawsuit if you or a loved one:
- Worked as a firefighter and was exposed to AFFF containing PFAS
- Was later diagnosed with a PFAS cancer
If a loved one has passed away from a firefighting foam cancer, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf.
Compensation from a PFAS cancer lawsuit can help pay for your medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and more.
Not sure if you qualify? Call our case managers right now at (888) 726-9160 to find out.
Steps to File a PFAS Firefighter Cancer Lawsuit
An experienced PFAS cancer lawyer can handle all aspects of a firefighting foam cancer lawsuit on your behalf, so the process is as easy and stress-free as possible.
These lawsuits are filed against the negligent AFFF manufacturers that put millions of firefighters in harm’s way.
The basic steps involved in a PFAS cancer lawsuit include:
- Contact LawFirm.com: One of our case managers will provide you with a free case review and connect you with an AFFF lawyer if you qualify.
- Collect evidence: Your lawyer will assemble a team of legal and medical professionals to gather evidence linking your PFAS cancer to firefighting foam.
- File the lawsuit: Your attorney will file your lawsuit before any deadlines and keep you updated as it progresses.
- Fight for compensation: Most cases are resolved through firefighter foam settlements, which allow AFFF victims to get payouts without going to court. However, if your case doesn’t settle, your legal team will be ready to argue your case before a judge and/or jury and fight for maximum compensation.
Don’t delay: These lawsuits have strict filing deadlines, so it’s important that you reach out to a firefighting foam cancer lawyer as soon as possible.
Get Help Filing a PFAS Cancer Lawsuit
A firefighting foam cancer lawsuit is a way for affected firefighters to hold negligent AFFF manufacturers liable and make their voices heard.
LawFirm.com works with top AFFF lawyers who have secured over $9.1 billion for victims of injustice.
Our legal partners can help PFAS cancer victims in all 50 states and never charge any upfront or out-of-pocket fees.
Contact our team at (888) 726-9160 right now or fill out our online form to take the first step toward the justice and compensation you deserve.
Firefighter Foam Cancer Lawsuit FAQs
Does firefighting foam cause cancer?
Possibly, yes. Multiple studies have found a positive association between PFAS, which are used to make firefighting foam, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer. The cancers with the strongest connection are kidney cancer and testicular cancer.
Other cancers that may be related to PFAS include:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Uterine or endometrial cancer
Those affected may be able to take legal action to pursue compensation for their illness.
How toxic is firefighting foam?
Firefighting foam contains PFAS, chemicals that have been linked to different types of cancer, as well as other serious illnesses. In 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified the PFAS chemical PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) as a human carcinogen.
Those exposed to the toxin at higher levels are especially at risk of developing cancer.
Is AFFF firefighting foam linked to prostate cancer?
Yes. Researchers have connected exposure to fire suppression foam, which contains toxic chemicals called PFAS, to an increased risk of prostate cancer and other illnesses.
For every 100 non-firefighters in the U.S. diagnosed with prostate cancer, 115 firefighters are diagnosed with the disease, according to the advocacy group 40 Plus Fire.
What is the average payout for the AFFF lawsuit?
Firefighting foam cancer lawsuit payouts will vary depending on many factors, like the type of cancer involved and the amount of AFFF exposure.
However, legal experts predict that AFFF cancer settlements may hit $500,000, with potentially more substantial payouts for victims who take their cases to court.
In 2023, several AFFF manufacturers agreed to pay $10.3 billion to settle water contamination claims.
An AFFF personal injury lawyer may be able to tell you the possible payout range in your case.
Do firefighters have a higher risk of cancer?
Yes, firefighters face a high risk of cancer because of the toxins that they’re exposed to on the job. These hazardous substances include smoke, asbestos, and PFAS, which are chemicals found in turnout gear and firefighting foam. Studies have linked different types of PFAS to various cancers.
Is there a class action lawsuit for firefighting foam?
An action similar to a firefighting foam class action called multidistrict litigation (MDL) is currently pending. As of February 2024, more than 9,000 lawsuits have been filed and consolidated in a federal court in South Carolina.
Many of these lawsuits have been filed by firefighters and military personnel who allege that they developed cancer from using firefighting foam.
Our case managers can determine if you may be eligible for a firefighting foam cancer lawsuit. Call (888) 726-9160 right now for a free consultation.
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