AFFF Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuit

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam used in industries like aviation, military, and petrochemical sectors.

AFFF works by creating a film that cuts off oxygen from the fuel source, effectively extinguishing dangerous fires.

Developed in the 1960s, AFFF has been produced by companies such as 3M, Chemguard, and Tyco Fire Products.

These companies have supplied AFFF to industries worldwide.

However, certain types of AFFF contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), man-made chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and potential toxicity to humans.

The presence of PFAS in AFFF has raised concerns about the risks of direct exposure and environmental contamination, including the potential contamination of drinking water.

Research has shown links between PFAS exposure and pancreatic cancer.

For example, a 2022 study from the Indiana University School of Medicine found that exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a type of PFAS, increased the risk of pancreatic cancer in animal studies.

While more research is needed to fully understand this link, current findings indicate a heightened risk of pancreatic cancer diagnosis associated with PFAS exposure.

PFAS Chemicals in Firefighting Foam and Their Impact on Human Health

Chemical manufacturers and the U.S. Navy, which first approved AFFF for firefighting use, were aware of the potential risks of PFAS exposure for decades.

According to a warning issued by the U.S. Department of Defense, PFAS chemicals in AFFF pose health risks and environmental contamination concerns.

Various research studies have linked PFAS exposure to cancer and other serious health issues, especially among firefighters, military personnel, and workers who handle or manufacture AFFF.

Key studies linking AFFF exposure to health issues include:

• A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a statistical association between PFAS exposure and increased risks of kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and ulcerative colitis.
• Research published in the International Journal of Cancer identified a positive link between PFOS exposure and breast cancer.
• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified PFOA as a possible carcinogen and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a health advisory for PFOA and PFOS, warning that long-term exposure could harm human health.
• Researchers at the National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology in Australia found that firefighters were more likely to have fluorinated surfactants in their bloodstream.
• A study by the University of California, Berkeley highlighted that female firefighters exposed to PFAS had higher levels of these chemicals in their bodies than office workers.

Environmental Contamination Caused by AFFF

AFFF firefighting foam has caused widespread environmental harm, particularly due to PFAS contamination of drinking water sources.

According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, AFFF is the leading contributor to PFAS-contaminated drinking water.

One of the key challenges in addressing this contamination is that PFAS chemicals are highly soluble in water, allowing them to spread easily and persist in the environment for long periods.

As these chemicals do not break down naturally, they pose a long-term risk to groundwater, drinking water, and ecosystems.

Government agencies, including state and municipal authorities, have filed lawsuits against AFFF manufacturers for environmental contamination.

These lawsuits have been brought by the following entities:

• State of New Hampshire
• State of Ohio
• State of Michigan
• State of Vermont
• City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• City of Birmingham, Alabama
• City of Thornton, Colorado

These are just a few examples of the many municipalities and agencies that have taken legal action against companies responsible for PFAS contamination.

It’s important to note that TruLaw is only accepting clients with AFFF personal injury claims — we are not accepting clients for the AFFF municipal water contamination lawsuits.

AFFF lawsuits are currently being managed through multidistrict litigation (MDL), with over 3,000 individual cases pending.

These lawsuits are filed by individuals who claim health issues due to exposure to PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam.

While some manufacturers of AFFF have attempted to dismiss these claims, the firefighting foam attorneys at TruLaw and our partner law firms remain confident in the strength of these cases.

If you or a loved one has experienced exposure to firefighting foam, you can easily check your eligibility to file a lawsuit using the chatbot on this page.

Settlement Amounts in Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

It is still too early to determine the exact settlement amounts for AFFF lawsuits.

Based on similar cases, the estimated settlement range could be between $20,000 and $1,000,000 (or more).

However, these figures are only projections and not a guarantee of compensation.

As the AFFF litigation progresses, more accurate settlement information will become available.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS chemicals from AFFF firefighting foam and subsequently diagnosed with cancer or other health issues, you may qualify for compensation through an AFFF lawsuit.

You can use the chatbot on this page to instantly check your eligibility or contact us for a free consultation.

Collecting Evidence for AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

Collecting strong evidence is a major component building a solid claim for an AFFF lawsuit.

The firefighting foam attorneys at TruLaw and our partner law firms will help guide you through the process of gathering the necessary documentation.

Common types of evidence for AFFF lawsuits include:

• Medical records
• Documentation of cancer diagnosis
• Employment records
• History of AFFF exposure
• Personal and witness testimony
• Any other relevant proof of exposure to firefighting foam

Compensation in Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

In AFFF lawsuits, attorneys will assist in assessing your total damages.

These damages encompass both economic and non-economic losses that may have resulted from AFFF exposure.

Potential damages in AFFF lawsuits may include:

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

The Importance of Choosing the Right Attorneys for Your AFFF Claim

When considering legal representation, it’s helpful to work with attorneys who have experience in toxic exposure and chemical-related lawsuits.

The experienced firefighting foam lawyers at TruLaw and our partner law firms are equipped to help you through the legal process and strengthen your case.

We understand that dealing with the effects of AFFF exposure, including cancer diagnoses, can be overwhelming.

That’s why we’re committed to supporting our clients and ensuring they receive the compensation they may be entitled to.

Choosing the right law firm is an important decision, and it’s important to work with a team willing to go the extra mile.

Reach out today to learn more about your legal options and how we can help.

The AFFF lawyers at TruLaw and our partner law firms work tirelessly to help those impacted by Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) exposure explore their legal options.

TruLaw is focused on holding corporations and chemical manufacturers accountable for the harm caused by PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam.

We strive to assist individuals in pursuing compensation for health issues that may be linked to regular exposure to AFFF.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or suffered other health problems due to firefighting foam exposure, you may qualify to file an AFFF lawsuit and seek compensation.

Reach out to us for more information using the chat on this page to determine if you are eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit.