Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a fire suppressant used to extinguish flammable liquid fires, such as fuel fires. However, in recent years, AFFFs have been in the news, with reports of both civilian and military personnel with occupational exposure to these foams developing serious types of cancer.
If you or someone you know has been impacted due to their exposure to these foams, you may be eligible for compensation from manufactures.
Since the 1970s, servicemembers and fire fighters have frequently utilized AFFF, or aqueous film forming foam, to put out chemical fires. It is now well recognized that some AFFF components can lead to cancer. These man-made compounds, also referred to as PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), are extremely effective at putting out chemical fires but present substantial health concerns to those who are exposed to them. Numerous servicemen and firefighters have been exposed to PFAS from AFFF in the course of their work over the past 50 years. As a result, those people now have a higher risk of developing several types of life-threatening cancer.
The risk of AFFF cancer is long-term, which means that cancer can develop years or even decades after exposure. PFAS-based foams are bioaccumulative, which means that prolonged exposure causes them to accumulate in your bloodstream. The accumulation of this harmful substance over time increases your risk of developing cancer in your excretory organs, such as your liver, kidneys, and bladder.
Since AFFF isn’t poisonous in and of itself, its effects won’t be seen right away by someone who has only ever been exposed to it once. However, prolonged exposure to the PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFAS in AFFF can cause cancer.
Countless individuals have lost loved ones too soon due to suffering from AFFF cancer and are filing lawsuits against manufactures. If you have questions about whether you would be eligible for compensation or how to navigate this complex process, consider speaking with professional legal counsel today.
As mentioned prior, those most at risk for exposure to these cancer-causing chemicals present in AFFF foams are firefighters and service members. AFFFs have been used for decades to fight fires by both civilian and military personnel.
While limited exposure may not immediately result in cancer, scientific studies have shown that repeated exposure greatly increases an individual’s risk of developing cancer.
The most basic criterion for these cases is that you, as the plaintiff, can show legitimate proof that you were exposed to firefighting foam for an extended period of time and have been diagnosed with a qualifying type of cancer.
Qualifying types of cancer for AFFF lawsuits include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, and liver cancer.
If you worked in the military or as a firefighter in areas where AFFF was used, there is a good chance you were exposed to PFAS compounds on the job.
It is also important to know that many states have time limits on when you can file a claim after having developed cancer, so if you are curious as to whether or not your exposure will fall within those time limits, it may be wise to contact experienced legal counsel in the near future.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a serious health condition caused by AAAFs, know that there are options for recourse. Even if you are not the type to pursue lawsuits, with access to proper medical care becoming more and more expensive, the total cost might not be apparent until it’s too late. There is no amount of money that can make up for the death of a family member or loved one brought on by cancer. It is our hope in each case that the parties responsible for such losses can be alerted to the harm and make proper amends to ease the suffering of those impacted.
If you are unsure where to start with your case, know you are not alone. To learn more about the options available to you or to get in contact with experienced legal counsel, contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 8885294543 or info@tullylegal.com.
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