Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made fluorinated chemicals that have become pervasive contaminants in people and the environment. Since the 1950s, thousands of different PFAS have been produced for use in industrial and consumer products. The use of PFAS in firefighting foams and presence in industrial discharges has resulted in extensive contamination worldwide. Currently, PFAS are detectable in nearly all humans, with exposures beginning during fetal development. A growing body of research suggests that exposure to PFAS at contaminated sites and in the general population can adversely impact human health.

AFFF – Firefighter Foam Cancer Lawsuit

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a fire suppressant used to extinguish flammable liquid fires such as fuel fires.  AFFF firefighting foam contains man-made fluorinated chemicals generally known as PFAS. An alarming number of studies have shown found harmful health effects pertaining to PFAS exposure.  According to a new study in Occupational Medicine, the cancer death rate among firefighters is 60% higher than the general population.  If you were a firefighter or regularly exposed to AFFF and recently diagnosed with cancer, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit and receive financial compensation.

Hundreds of AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits have been filed against 3M, DuPont, and other companies.  Many of these lawsuits have been consolidated into an MDL Class Action in South Carolina (https://www.scd.uscourts.gov/mdl-2873/index.asp).  Recently, victims prevailed in 3M’s Motion for Summary Judgment in this multidistrict litigation. The AFFF manufacturer argued that it was immune from liability for alleged damages because the company had developed the foam for the U.S. Navy, which limits its liability under a government contractor defense.  Judge Richard M. Gergel rejected 3M’s bid for immunity, stating there were issues of fact as to the government’s knowledge of the risks associated with AFFF. The judge pointed to records revealing that the government was unaware of PFAS’ presence in AFFF until the year 2000. Furthermore, 3M failed to disclose the more than 1,000 internal studies on PFAS toxicity and its presence in AFFF. (Bloomberg Law)

Any of the following cancers might be linked to AFFF firefighting foam:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Prostate cancer

PFAS Exposure Injury Lawsuit

In communities near facilities using or manufacturing PFAS, high serum PFAS levels in people are associated with PFAS contamination of water supplies.  These toxic chemicals do not break down, dilute, or degrade—earning them the name “forever chemicals.”  Manufacturers use these man-made substances to make a broad range of consumer products, including cookware, firefighting foam, carpet, and packaging, and the chemicals eventually find their way into water, soil, and air, exposing millions to their carcinogenic effects.

The Environmental Working Group has created an interactive map that documents defection of PFAS in public and private water systems. Explore the Map ( https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/pfas_contamination)

Currently, the EPA is proposing Maximum Contaminate Levels for PFAS in drinking water.  The individual PFAS contaminants, PFOA and PFOS, have a proposed Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4.0 parts per trillion.

If you were injured or developed certain illnesses because of your PFAS exposure, you are eligible to file a PFAS lawsuit and seek compensation for your losses.

Currently, we are representing clients who:

• Drank from contaminated water supply from 1990 to present for at least six cumulative months (Received notice from your water provider that PFAS has been detected)
• Received a diagnosis (since 2000) of
  • Testicular cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Prostate Cancer