AFFF PFAS Lawsuit: PFAS Exposure Symptoms [2024 Guide]

AFFF and PFAS Exposure Symptoms

Exposure to AFFF — particularly to PFAS chemicals in AFFF Firefighting Foam — can lead to various symptoms, both immediate and long-term.

The severity of complications may vary depending on the duration and intensity of exposure.

Other factors also play a part in what type of symptoms appear and how severe they can be, such as a person’s individual health and the type of foam used.

Short-Term Symptoms of Exposure to AFFF Firefighting Foam

These health issues typically last for a few hours to days.

Though AFFF is largely not used, those who experience debilitating symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

Seeking medical care after being exposed to AFFF or experiencing longer-term symptoms of exposure will contribute to medical records that can be used in a firefighting foam lawsuit.

Skin Irritation and Rash

Contact with AFFF may cause skin irritation, redness, itching, and rashes.

These health concerns can occur due to direct skin contact with the foam during firefighting operations, training exercises, or accidental spills.

Eye Irritation and Redness

AFFF exposure can lead to eye irritation, redness, and watering.

These problems can happen when the foam comes into contact with the eyes, either through direct exposure or airborne particles.

Difficulty Breathing or Shortness of Breath

In some cases, AFFF exposure may cause respiratory symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing.

These symptoms can occur if AFFF particles are inhaled, particularly the foam’s vapors.

Nausea and Vomiting

AFFF exposure may result in gastrointestinal issues, including nausea and vomiting.

When someone accidentally ingests the chemical from drinking water contaminated with AFFF, they may also feel these effects.

Headaches and Dizziness

Some individuals exposed to AFFF may experience headaches and dizziness.

These symptoms can be caused by the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the foam, which can affect the central nervous system.

Long-Term Symptoms of Exposure to PFAS and Firefighting Foam

Long-term symptoms are potential health risks to monitor regularly if you’ve ever been exposed to certain PFAS chemicals or AFFF foam.

Impaired Liver Function

Studies have shown a correlation between PFAS exposure and impaired liver function.

AFFF exposure may result in the accumulation of PFAS compounds in the liver, leading to inflammation, liver damage, and alterations in liver enzyme levels.

Thyroid Dysfunction

Exposure to PFAS chemicals in AFFF has been linked to thyroid dysfunction and thyroid disease.

These substances can interfere with the production and regulation of thyroid hormones, leading to conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Hormonal Imbalances

AFFF and PFAS exposure can disrupt the normal functioning of the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances.

This issue can affect various bodily functions, including reproductive health, metabolism, and growth.

Immune System Disorders

Prolonged exposure to AFFF and PFAS can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections, autoimmune disorders, and other immune-related conditions.

Why Is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) Exposure Dangerous?

As we’ve outlined above, there are many health issues stemming from exposure to AFFF and PFAS chemicals.

PFAS substances are also known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and the human body.

Prolonged exposure to AFFF and PFAS can result in various dangerous health effects, such as the aforementioned hormonal imbalance, immune disorders, and some dysfunction in some other organs.

PFAS chemicals are in a class of compounds used in food packaging, clothing, carpeting, and many other plastic products needed in daily life.

However, PFAS chemicals are also present in higher concentrations in products such as aqueous film forming foams (AFFF).

Are AFFF and PFAS Chemicals Cancer-Causing?

One of the most concerning health risks associated with AFFF exposure is its potential link to cancer.

Studies by the Environmental Protection Agency and other bodies have indicated an association between exposure to AFFF — particularly the presence of PFAS in the foam — and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

PFAS particles accumulate inside the body and may cause gene mutations inside the DNA of cells.

This can lead to malignant growth or cancer.

Several cancers may be linked to PFAS and AFFF exposure, these include:

• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Mesothelioma
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Testicular cancer

If you or a loved one were exposure to PFAS chemicals in AFFF, you may be eligible to file a Firefighting Foam Lawsuit and secure financial compensation for your scope of damages and injuries.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation and speak to our lawyers today.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Firefighting Foam Lawsuit.

How Can You Get Exposed to PFAS in Firefighting Foam?

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) was extensively used in industries and applications that required fire suppression for flammable liquid fires.

These included military and defense installations, airports, oil refineries, petrochemical plants, firefighting agencies, and fuel storage facilities.

AFFF was commonly utilized in firefighting training exercises, emergency response situations, and as a precautionary measure to protect against potential fires involving flammable liquids.

However, due to the adverse environmental and health effects associated with PFAS-containing foams, efforts have been made to phase out the use of AFFF and transition to more environmentally friendly alternatives.

The use of AFFF has been linked to water contamination, as PFAS chemicals have the potential to migrate from firefighting training sites and spill areas into the surrounding soil and groundwater.

This then leads to long-term water contamination and poses a risk to nearby communities that rely on groundwater as a drinking water source.

Due to its use in a number of industries, there are many ways that exposure to PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam may have occurred:

1. Firefighter Training and Operations: Firefighters and emergency responders are at high risk of exposure due to the frequent use of AFFF during training exercises and firefighting operations.
2. Military and Aviation Sites: AFFF has been extensively used on military bases, airports, and other locations where flammable liquid fires are a potential hazard. Military firefighters are at particular risk for cancer and other adverse health effects.
3. Industrial Applications & Transportation of AFFF: Workers in certain industrial settings may be exposed to PFAS in firefighting foam. Those who transported or were responsible for the manufacturing of aqueous film forming foams may have also been exposed regularly.
4. Water Supplies: Runoff from training exercises and firefighting drills can contaminate water sources as well. Contaminated drinking water can cause a host of medical problems to residents and damage to local wastewater treatment plants. PFAS contaminated water has been the focus of other lawsuits.
5. Household Products: PFAS are used in manufacturing household items like non-stick pans, cleaning products, paints, and stain-resistant fabrics. As these products deteriorate thanks to daily use, PFAS particles may contaminate food and the surrounding environment. While most modern household items no longer have PFAS, the compounds are still present in many products we use everyday.

Filing Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits: The Steps To Take

Exposure to PFAS in AFFF firefighting foam can contribute to several health problems including cancer.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS in AFFF firefighting foam and subsequently developed health problems or cancer, you may be eligible to file an AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to join the AFFF Litigation.

Those interested in filing lawsuits for injuries from firefighting foam products are encouraged to research their legal options and find a lawyer who specializes in AFFF personal injury claims.

We are a Firefighting Foam Law Firm with decades of experience representing people exposed to hazardous chemicals and injured at no fault of their own.

Reach out to us for more information and to find out how our team can help you.

Below are steps to take for those with new firefighting foam cases.

Consultation With an Attorney

One of the first steps is to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney who specializes in toxic torts or personal injury cases related to AFFF exposure, such as our team at TorHoerman Law.

Professionals like us can provide a thorough evaluation of your situation and guide you through the legal process.

Gathering Evidence

Collecting relevant evidence is essential to your case.

Evidence for an AFFF Lawsuit may include medical records documenting your health issues and their connection to AFFF exposure, employment records, photos or videos, witness statements, and any other documentation related to your exposure.

Make sure to collect and retain records of medical expenses, lost wages, and any other financial losses resulting from your health condition.

These are referred to as damages in personal injury claims.

Identifying Responsible Parties

One crucial step of any AFFF/PFAS lawsuit is determining the responsible parties.

This could include manufacturers of the foam, distributors, contractors, or entities that used or handled AFFF in their operations.

Your attorney will help identify the AFFF defendant in your case and establish their liability in the lawsuit.

Filing AFFF Lawsuits

Your attorney will prepare and file a lawsuit against the responsible parties.

They will guide you through the legal requirements and ensure all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and within the statute of limitations.

Once the documents are in order, they will file the lawsuit in the appropriate court.

Currently, there is an AFFF Firefighting Foam MDL centralized in the US District Court for the District of South Carolina.

Damages in AFFF Firefighting Foam Cases

Damages are the economic and noneconomic losses you suffered because of AFFF/PFAS exposure injuries.

Your AFFF attorney will assess and calculate your damages and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

Below are a list of potential damages included in AFFF Lawsuit claims.

Medical Expenses

Compensation for past, present, and future medical costs related to the treatment of AFFF-related health conditions are a typical damage in cases involving exposure to toxic chemicals.

Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity

These are damages that cover lost wages during treatment and the potential loss of future earning capacity due to health impairments caused by exposure to toxic substances.

Pain and Suffering

To compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from AFFF exposure, pain and suffering damages may be included in your lawsuit.

Punitive Damages

In certain cases, if the responsible party’s actions were particularly egregious or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant and discourage similar conduct in the future.

TorHoerman Law: Your Firefighting Foam Law Firm

TorHoerman Law’s team of experienced firefighting foam lawyers are representing those facing complications due to PFAS and firefighting foam exposure.

Our personal injury lawyers have helped thousands of victims across all 50 states take on hundreds of companies that put workers, community members, and consumers at risk.

Over the past 11 years, our law firm has helped clients gain over $4 Billion in verdicts and negotiated settlements to help them get back on the path to recovery.

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

Contact TorHoerman Law AFFF Lawyers for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for an AFFF Foam Lawsuit instantly.