Firefighter Foam Cancer Lawsuit
If you are a firefighter and you used firefighter foam, you may have been exposed to AFFF (Acrylamide-Fumarate-Formaldehyde-Fume) and, you may be able to sue the company that produced it. There are several different types of AFFF, and the two most common are per-fluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and per-fluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOS is a type of perfluorooctanoic sulfonate. A lawsuit involving PFOA and PFOS use is making its way through the court system because the chemical is known to cause various types of cancer. It is important to understand how a firefighter foam cancer lawsuit works and how it can help you.
Firefighter Foam: PFAS chemicals
Many people have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of exposure to PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam. These toxic cancer-causing substances are readily absorbed into the body, especially through ingestion. They are also able to bioaccumulate (meaning the chemicals build up in your system with continued use) over time, and can remain in the body for several years. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be eligible to file a firefighting foam lawsuit against AFFF manufacturers.
These chemicals have been used to create firefighting foam, also known as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). AFFF has been used in the military since the 1960s. It is designed to extinguish high-intensity fires fueled by gasoline. AFFF contains a variety of perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) and polyfluoroalkyl (PFOS) substances. The military has committed to discontinuing its use by October 2024.
Many PFAS chemicals are resistant to heat and water. However, these persistent little toxins can live in your home, in the food you eat, or in the paints, cookware, and outdoor apparel you wear. In addition, they can be found in the tap water you drink.
Because of the potential dangers of PFAS, many firefighters have filed lawsuits against manufacturers. According to the plaintiffs, these manufacturers knew about the risks of PFAS, but failed to warn their employees. PFAS-based firefighting foam can seep into the ground, and leach into the drinking water supply according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
AFFF causes various forms of cancer
PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals found in many foams used to fight fires. They are classified by the EPA as “likely carcinogenic to humans” and can accumulate in the body. These toxic compounds are also known to cause birth defects and reproductive problems.
The foam commonly used in firefighting, AFFF, contains a few ingredients, including PFAS. Some studies have shown that PFAS can increase the risk of developing cancer, especially in firefighters.
While the EPA and the World Health Organization have warned of the possible health effects of PFAS, it has not been completely banned. In fact, it is still used on a widespread basis. Firefighters are the most at-risk group for firefighting foam-related cancers.
Firefighters are at the highest risk of developing cancer as a result of PFAS exposure because they use products containing these cancer causing chemicals when fighting fires. There is substantial scientific evidence linking PFAS to several types of cancer, including kidney, prostate and thyroid diseases to name just a few.
PFAS are also commonly found in food packaging, cleaners and personal care products. In addition, they are known to be toxic to the environment because they can get into our drinking water.
AFFF has been used for more than four decades starting in the 1960’s. It is particularly effective at suppressing flammable liquid fires like gas or oil. However, it has become clear that AFFF is hazardous to the human body.
One reason why AFFF is so toxic is because of its ingredients. PFAS are a group of toxic compounds that break down in the human body at an exceptionally slow rate. This means that AFFF remains in the body for a long time.
PFAS (firefighter foam) lawsuits are a challenge for defense lawyers
A recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency revealed that exposure to PFAS can cause cancer. According to the agency, PFAS can stay in the body for years. They are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down and remain in the human body for a long time.
Because of the risks of PFAS exposure, many states and counties are pursuing lawsuits against manufacturers. Washington State has joined the fight to stop the use of these hazardous products. In March 2022 Washington passed the “Safer Products for Washington Act” (RCW code) to help protect Washington’s firefighters and others who come into contact with these products.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer as a result of exposure to AFFF firefighting foam, you may be entitled to compensation. This includes medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. The total amount you can collect will depend on the nature of the injury, the extent of your exposure and your pain and suffering. You can get started with your AFFF lawsuit by contacting an expert attorney at Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel.