Introduction
If you or someone you love has been exposed to firefighting foam and later developed serious health issues, you’re not alone. Thousands of people, especially firefighters, military personnel, and residents near military bases or airports, are coming forward with similar stories. Many of them have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses like cancer after long-term exposure to AFFF, a firefighting foam that contains toxic chemicals called PFAS.
What is AFFF and Why Is It Dangerous?
AFFF stands for Aqueous Film-Forming Foam. It’s a special kind of firefighting foam used to put out fuel-based fires. For decades, it’s been used by firefighters, airports, the military, and industrial facilities.
The problem? AFFF contains chemicals known as PFAS (short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These are nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment or in your body. Once they get in, they tend to stay there for years.
Research has shown that PFAS can travel through soil, leach into drinking water, and build up in the human body over time. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), even low levels of PFAS exposure can be dangerous.
AFFF Class Action Lawsuits: What’s Going On?
Right now, thousands of AFFF-related lawsuits have been grouped together into what’s called a multidistrict litigation (MDL). The goal is to handle similar cases more efficiently. This AFFF MDL is taking place in the U.S. District Court of South Carolina, and it includes claims from firefighters, veterans, airport workers, and regular people who lived near contaminated sites.
The lawsuits say that manufacturers like 3M, DuPont, and Tyco knew about the dangers of PFAS for decades but failed to warn the public.
Many internal company documents uncovered during litigation have shown that some manufacturers were aware of PFAS-related health risks as far back as the 1970s. Despite that, these chemicals remained in widespread use for decades.
If you were exposed to AFFF and later developed health problems like cancer, you might be eligible to join this ongoing litigation.
Legal Timeline: How Did We Get Here?
- Early 2000s: Scientific studies begin to show the long-term risks of PFAS exposure.
- 2016: The EPA issues a health advisory on PFAS in drinking water.
- 2018–2019: A surge of personal injury lawsuits are filed.
- 2020: The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation centralizes AFFF lawsuits into MDL No. 2873 in South Carolina.
- 2023–2024: Major settlements begin to emerge, including those involving public water utilities.
As of now, the first personal injury bellwether trials are being scheduled. These will serve as test cases to determine how future AFFF lawsuits may be resolved.
Cancers and Health Issues Linked to AFFF Exposure
PFAS chemicals in AFFF have been linked to several types of cancer and other health problems. Based on current research by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and lawsuits, here are the main illnesses being connected to AFFF exposure:
- Kidney Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer or Thyroid Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
The National Cancer Institute and other organizations have cited studies showing significantly increased risks for these diseases in firefighters and military personnel exposed to AFFF.
Common Symptoms to Watch For:
If you’ve been exposed to AFFF regularly and are now experiencing any of the symptoms below, it might be time to talk to your doctor:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in urine
- Swelling or lumps in the testicles
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Chronic diarrhea or rectal bleeding
Real Stories from AFFF Victims
Meet John, a retired firefighter from New York who was diagnosed with kidney cancer at age 52. He had used AFFF foam in live-fire training exercises for over 20 years. John never knew the foam was toxic. His doctors traced his illness back to prolonged chemical exposure. Today, he’s one of many plaintiffs seeking justice through the AFFF MDL.
Then there’s Maria, whose home sits near a former military base in Colorado. She and her neighbors discovered their water supply was contaminated with PFAS. Several members of her family, including her teenage son, developed thyroid conditions. Their town is now part of a broader environmental lawsuit.
Environmental Impact and Community Contamination
AFFF hasn’t only hurt individuals. It’s poisoned entire communities. Airports, military bases, and industrial facilities across the U.S. have contaminated surrounding groundwater with PFAS.
One high-profile example is the city of Stuart, Florida, which filed a lawsuit after discovering PFAS chemicals in its municipal water supply. Cases like these highlight how widespread the contamination is.
According to a report from the Environmental Working Group, PFAS contamination has been detected in the drinking water of over 2,000 communities in the U.S.
How AFFF Lawsuits Compare to Other PFAS Lawsuits
The AFFF lawsuits are just one part of a much bigger story around PFAS exposure. Similar legal battles include:
- Camp Lejeune Water Contamination: Veterans and families exposed to PFAS and other toxins at a military base in North Carolina.
- Teflon Chemical Lawsuits: Related to PFOA contamination used in non-stick cookware.
- Water Utility Lawsuits: Cities and towns suing manufacturers to cover PFAS cleanup costs.
What makes AFFF lawsuits unique is the occupational exposure—primarily among first responders and service members—rather than environmental exposure alone.
How Much Could Victims Be Paid?
While exact payouts will vary, here’s what current estimates look like based on similar mass tort cases and early AFFF settlements:
- Top Tier Cases (strong medical evidence and occupational exposure): $300,000 to $600,000 or more
- Mid Tier Cases (less direct exposure or treatable cancers): $150,000 to $280,000
- Lower Tier Cases (weaker evidence or non-cancer illnesses): up to $75,000
What Law Firms Should Know When Representing AFFF Victims
Law firms entering this space should prioritize:
- Detailed exposure documentation (military records, firefighting logs)
- Verified medical diagnoses tied to PFAS-linked diseases
- Access to expert witnesses (toxicologists, oncologists, industrial hygienists)
- Strong intake screening to place claims into proper settlement tiers
As bellwether trials approach, organized case-building is crucial for maximizing compensation.
What Victims Should Do Now
If you suspect your illness is related to AFFF exposure:
- Get Medical Attention – Confirm your diagnosis and treatment history.
- Document Exposure – Gather employment, military, or geographic records.
- Contact a Lawyer – Choose a firm with experience in mass torts and PFAS litigation.
- Act Promptly – Every state has its own statute of limitations, so time is important.
Final Thoughts: Why These Lawsuits Matter
This isn’t just about compensation. It’s about accountability.
For too long, manufacturers prioritized profit over public safety. Firefighters and veterans put their lives on the line—and were never told about the hidden risks of AFFF.
The AFFF lawsuits give victims a voice. They’re a way to seek justice, secure compensation, and push for a safer future.
If you or your loved ones have suffered due to firefighting foam exposure, you have options. You’re not alone.
