Firefighter Foam, AFFF, Linked to Cancers. Lawsuits Are Forming

Information provided by Cohen Hirsch, LP — your trusted firefighter foam legal team

Many firefighters are now suffering from various types of cancer due to the firefighting foam they used to extinguish jet fuel and petroleum fires.

Lawsuits have been filed across the country to help firefighters and their loved ones. If you were exposed to this foam and later developed cancer, you may be entitled to compensation from an AFFF lawsuit.

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) originated in the 1960s through development by the U.S. Navy. Its purpose was to rapidly extinguish flammable liquid fires, particularly those involving fuels. AFFF achieves this by creating a film on the surface of hydrocarbon fuels, preventing reignition. Modern AFFF formulations include fluorinated surfactants like perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). These chemicals provide AFFF with its fire-extinguishing properties. However, PFOS, PFOA, and related per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are associated with significant health effects in both humans and animals. These are known as "forever chemicals" because they are difficult to break down and can remain in a person's body indefinitely.

It is reported that some companies who produce this foam may have known about the health risks of their fire foams for decades but did not properly alert their users.

Firefighters — both military and civilian — have used AFFF for decades. But little did they know that the very gear and equipment meant to protect them could be harming them. Cancer now accounts for a staggering 72% of active-duty firefighter deaths, surpassing smoke inhalation as the primary culprit.

Beyond cancer, AFFF exposure can lead to thyroid disease, liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and immune disorders.

Immediate symptoms:

• Respiratory distress — coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness from inhalation
• Skin rashes and irritation from direct contact

Short-term effects:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort — nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested
• Eye redness, itching, or discomfort

Long-term effects:

• Increased risk of certain cancers, including kidney, testicular, and bladder cancer
• Liver damage from prolonged exposure
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Immune system changes
• Possible fertility issues

• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer (colon and/or rectal cancer)
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Lymphoma
• Ovarian cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Renal or kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid cancer and disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Uterine or endometrial cancer

Consult your doctor. Seek medical attention and discuss your symptoms and potential AFFF exposure with your healthcare provider. Document your medical diagnoses and any relevant information.

Know the health effects. Understand the short-term and long-term health effects associated with AFFF exposure, which can range from skin and eye irritation to serious conditions like cancer, liver damage, and thyroid problems.

Collect evidence. Gather documentation related to your exposure — records of military service, photographs, training records, or work history in environments where AFFF was used. Obtain medical records that link your health conditions to AFFF exposure.

Experience. Our Cohen Hirsch legal team is well-versed in AFFF lawsuits. We are fighting for victims who faced severe illness due to foam exposure — airport and military firefighters, local first responders, and affected communities are all part of our mission.

Resources. We have expert witnesses, medical professionals, and a network that spans all 50 states.

Track record. Our results have forced corporations like Tyco, 3M, and DuPont to be held accountable. Justice isn't a buzzword — it's our battle cry.

Compassion and commitment. We carry the stories of firefighters and their families — the ones who fought fires and then fought for their lives. Our commitment isn't just legal; it's personal.

You're not alone in this journey. Reach out to Cohen Hirsch, LP for a free consultation. There are no upfront fees — you only pay if we reach a settlement.

Contact us today for a free consultation or visit www.cohenhirsch.com.