AFFF Bladder Cancer Lawsuit [December 2024 Update] | Firefighting Foam Lawyers

AFFF Firefighting Foam and Bladder Cancer Diagnosis Risk

AFFF firefighting foam contains toxic chemicals, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been linked to serious health risks, including bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer risk is heightened due to the persistent nature of PFAS chemicals, which do not break down easily and accumulate in the body over time.

Studies, such as one published in Environmental Health Perspectives, show that PFAS contamination in water sources, such as municipal water supplies near military bases or airports, can lead to increased bladder cancer rates.

This is particularly concerning for firefighters and military personnel who are frequently exposed to AFFF during training exercises and real-life fire suppression efforts.

Research has shown that individuals exposed to AFFF firefighting foam face a significant risk of bladder cancer because PFAS compounds are absorbed into the body and disrupt normal cellular functions.

These chemicals are known to affect the bladder’s lining, increasing the likelihood of cancerous growths.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has also identified elevated cancer risks in firefighters exposed to AFFF foam, highlighting bladder cancer as a major concern.

As more research emerges, AFFF lawsuits are increasingly being filed by those who have developed bladder cancer or other serious health issues due to exposure to these dangerous chemicals.

PFAS Chemicals in Firefighting Foam and Effects on Human Health

Chemical manufacturers and the US Navy, who first approved AFFF firefighting foam for use, knew about its toxic effects for decades.

Urged by the Environmental Protection Agency, the US Department of Defense finally submitted an official warning stating that the dangerous chemicals in AFFF present an increased risk for serious health problems and environmental contamination.

In a number of research studies, PFAS have been linked to an increased risk for cancer and other serious health problems.

With the number of chemicals used in firefighting foam, the health impacts of them are widespread.

The health of airport firefighters, military firefighters, chemical plant workers, and workers who transport and manufacture firefighting foam is especially at risk.

Studies on the links between AFFF Exposure and Health Problems include the following:

• A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a statistically significant association between PFOA exposure and an increased risk of kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and ulcerative colitis.
• Another study published in the International Journal of Cancer found a positive association between PFOS exposure and breast cancer.
• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified PFOA as a possible carcinogen, and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a health advisory for PFOA and PFOS, stating that long-term exposure to these chemicals above certain levels could be harmful to human health.
• Researchers at National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Australia) found that firefighters were more likely to have fluorinated surfactants in their bloodstream.
• Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley studied the carcinogenic effects of PFAS on women firefighters and office workers, finding that firefighters who reported using firefighting foam in the past year had higher levels of several PFAS in their body compared to those who did not.

Firefighting Foam Lawsuits: Everything You Need To Know About AFFF Litigation

AFFF manufacturers are facing lawsuits due to the harmful chemicals in their firefighting foam products, which have been linked to cancer and other serious health issues.

Many of these foams contain PFAS, often called “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment and human body for extended periods, increasing the risk of severe health problems.

Individuals exposed to AFFF, such as firefighters and military personnel, are filing lawsuits claiming that these toxic chemicals contributed to their cancer diagnoses, including bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have both warned about the toxic chemicals in AFFF firefighting foam, stating that exposure to firefighting foam may contribute to certain health risks.

PFAS chemicals do not degrade over time, remaining in the human body and in the environment for an indefinite amount of time.

PFAS exposure has been found to present an increased risk for bladder cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, and several other health problems.

While communities may suffer from exposure to PFAS contamination, certain professions are especially at risk for health effects due to using firefighting foam regularly:

• Airport and military firefighters
• Military personnel who used firefighting foam in training exercises
• Firefighters at municipal fire departments
• Petrochemical workers
• Other industrial workers

What Companies are Named in the AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits?

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) has been used for decades, primarily by the military, airports, and firefighting departments due to its ability to quickly suppress jet fuel and petroleum-based fires.

The chemicals in AFFF, particularly PFAS, were introduced in the mid-20th century because of their water- and heat-resistant properties, making them effective in extreme firefighting situations.

Over time, the toxic nature of PFAS became a concern, as these chemicals do not break down easily and accumulate in the environment and human body.

This persistence has led to increasing health risks, including cancer, prompting numerous lawsuits against the companies responsible for manufacturing AFFF.

The companies facing AFFF Lawsuits include:

• 3M
• DuPont
• Chemours
• Tyco Fire Products
• Chemguard Inc
• ChemDesign Inc
• Over a dozen other companies

These companies are being held accountable for the contamination caused by their products, which have led to water pollution and severe health risks for those exposed to AFFF, such as firefighters and military personnel.

Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Update

Firefighting Foam Lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2873), which is currently being overseen in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina.

This MDL includes thousands of individual cases from firefighters, military personnel, and others who have been exposed to toxic chemicals, such as PFAS, found in AFFF firefighting foam.

The lawsuits allege that manufacturers of AFFF knowingly produced and sold products containing harmful chemicals linked to severe health conditions, including various cancers.

The MDL process aims to streamline the handling of these cases, allowing for more efficient proceedings and resolutions.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to AFFF and suffered health issues, contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for an AFFF lawsuit.

Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

The AFFF multidistrict litigation (MDL) is ongoing, and settlement amounts will depend on various factors such as the severity of the injuries, the degree of PFAS exposure, and individual case circumstances.

As of now, no official settlement offers or trial verdicts have been issued, making it difficult to estimate precise figures for average settlement amounts.

That said, some legal experts and attorneys have provided rough estimates for potential settlements.

Based on previous cases involving toxic chemical exposure, some believe that settlements could range between $150,000to $300,000 or higher.

These are speculative figures, and the actual amounts will only become clear once settlements or trial verdicts are reached in the MDL.

These estimations for the firefighting foam lawsuit settlement amounts are only estimations based on prior mass tort cases.

This is not a guarantee of financial compensation in the AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit.

As the AFFF litigation develops further, more specific numbers on average AFFF settlement amounts will become available.

Visit our AFFF page on settlement amounts for more information.

AFFF Firefighting Foam Exposure in Groundwater and Drinking Water

AFFF firefighting foam has been found to have a devastating impact on the environment.

AFFF is the number one contributor to PFAS contaminated drinking water.

One of the challenges in removing PFAS from the environment is that they are highly soluble in water and easily spread, contaminating groundwater, drinking water, and other natural areas.

PFAS do not degrade naturally and persist in the environment for a long time, building up over time and increasing the risk of exposure to these harmful chemicals for hundreds or even thousands of years.

AFFF Lawsuits have been filed by state and city governments, as well as municipal water authorities over environmental contamination.

These agencies have joined the litigation against AFFF Manufacturers:

• State of Michigan
• State of New Hampshire
• State of Ohio
• State of Vermont
• A water district that serves Birmingham, Alabama
• Thornton, CO
• Philadelphia, PA
• La Crosse, WI
• Peshtigo, WI
• Baltimore, MD
• The Water Replenishment District of Southern California
• The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Pittsboro, NC
• Fairbanks, AK
• Many other cities and local water agencies

For more updates on the AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits, visit this page.

You are also welcome to contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation to see if you qualify to file an AFFF Lawsuit today.

Filing an AFFF Bladder Cancer Lawsuit

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), widely used by firefighters and military personnel, contains PFAS chemicals, which have been linked to severe health risks, including bladder cancer.

People are primarily exposed to PFAS in AFFF through direct contact while using firefighting foam or by consuming contaminated water.

Despite knowing the dangers associated with PFAS, manufacturers failed to warn the public, leading to a wave of lawsuits.

Filing an AFFF bladder cancer lawsuit allows individuals who were exposed to PFAS and later diagnosed with cancer to seek compensation.

AFFF lawyers support clients throughout the legal process by gathering crucial evidence, assessing the extent of damages, and pursuing the compensation deserved for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact us for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to determine if you qualify for an AFFF foam lawsuit.

Gathering Evidence For AFFF Lawsuits

Gathering evidence for an AFFF lawsuit is a critical step in proving your case.

For many plaintiffs, their occupation or military service will serve as key documentary evidence showing direct exposure to AFFF firefighting foam.

Firefighters, military personnel, airport workers, and others in similar roles are often directly exposed to PFAS chemicals through their job functions, and this documented work history strengthens their claims.

Employment records, service documents, and job descriptions can demonstrate the frequency and duration of exposure, which is vital for establishing liability.

Your AFFF lawyers will work with you to gather and organize this crucial evidence, including employment and military service records, medical reports linking exposure to your health condition, and expert testimony.

They will ensure that the evidence is presented in a compelling manner to help maximize your chances of receiving compensation.

Evidence in AFFF lawsuits may include:

• Medical records
• Cancer diagnosis information
• Employment records
• History of AFFF exposure
• Personal and witness testimony
• Any other information validating exposure to firefighting foam

Damages In Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

Firefighting foam cancer lawyers will help victims assess their damages.

Damages refer to the total economic and non-economic losses a person has suffered due to AFFF exposure.

Experienced firefighting foam lawyers, with the help of the claimant, will calculate your damages and demand compensation from the defendants.

Typical damages for AFFF foam lawsuits may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress
• Lost earning ability
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability
• Future medical expenses and therapy costs
• Other compensatory and punitive damages
• Loss of consortium

Why Hiring Experienced Firefighting Foam Attorneys For Your Claim Is Important

Contact an AFFF attorney with experience in toxic tort, chemical exposure, and personal injury lawsuits to discuss your potential case.

An experienced law firm will work diligently through the civil litigation process to prove liability and help ensure your case is as strong as possible.

TorHoerman Law understands that your AFFF Lawsuit may involve cancer diagnosis and other hardships, and we are sensitive to the needs of our clients.

Our law firm will work tirelessly to ensure that you and your family are fully compensated for exposure to firefighting foam and the health issues related to AFFF exposure.

Any law firm you contact for your claim should be willing to go the extra mile to secure compensation that you are rightfully owed.

Always take the choice of a lawyer with extreme discretion.

TorHoerman Law: Your Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawyers

Exposure to toxic firefighting foam is linked to a number of serious health risks, including bladder cancer.

AFFF personal injury cases are being actively filed against the manufacturers of PFAS and AFFF firefighting foam by individuals diagnosed with cancer, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Our AFFF Lawyers are known for holding large corporations and chemical manufacturers liable for the harm they’ve caused, and securing financial compensation for people harmed at no fault of their own.

If you or a loved one have developed cancer or other adverse health outcomes after being regularly exposed to firefighting foam, you may be eligible to file an AFFF Lawsuit and seek financial compensation.

Contact our experienced Firefighting Foam Lawyers today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify to file an AFFF Lawsuit instantly.