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Does AFFF Cause Cancer?

Riddle Brantley LLP   |  July 20, 2020   |  

Have you or a loved one been exposed to AFFF (aqueous film forming foam)? AFFF “firefighting foam” may cause cancer and those exposed should be aware of the risks. Many who have been exposed to firefighting foam and suffered from cancer are wondering, “Does AFFF cause cancer?”

In this blog post, we’ll look at the evidence that AFFF causes cancer, who may be most at risk, and what victims can do to seek justice and compensation.

Does AFFF Cause Cancer?

AFFF, also known as “firefighting foam,” has been used by firefighters for decades to extinguish high-temperature fires, often those involving jet fuel or petroleum-based fuels. AFFF is highly effective, however studies have shown that exposure to AFFF firefighting foam may cause cancer.

Does AFFF Cause Cancer - Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits - Riddle & BrantleyThe AFFF cancer risk is due to AFFF’s chemical composition. Firefighting foam contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS. PFAS substances are known as “forever” chemicals because they do not easily break down in the human body.

PFAS is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as “emerging contaminants,” and the EPA and World Health Organization (WHO) have warned that PFAS may cause cancer.

Many scientific organizations — including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), EPA, and the American Cancer Society — have issued warnings that PFAS-containing AFFF may cause cancer in firefighters.

So, the shortest answer to the question, “Does AFFF cause cancer?” is that, yes, evidence strongly suggests that PFAS in firefighting foam may cause cancer in humans.

Cancers potentially caused by AFFF include:

  • Kidney cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Leukemia
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other lymphomas
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Breast cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Bladder cancer

Who is at risk?

AFFF is frequently used by firefighters — both civilian and military. Airport workers and property owners near airports and military installations may be exposed to PFAS from AFFF, as well, and be at risk of cancer associated with firefighting foam.

PFAS in AFFF Firefighting Foam - Riddle & BrantleyWhile the U.S. military is currently phasing out the use of AFFF, civilian firefighters continue to use AFFF and may be at risk.

A 2015 study found increased levels of PFAS chemicals in the blood of firefighters exposed to AFFF, and another study in the same year determined that levels of PFAS were “three times higher” In the blood of southern California firefighters compared to the blood of the general population.

Firefighters are not the only ones at risk of developing AFFF-linked cancer, however. Airport personnel may be exposed to PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam, and runoff may contaminate nearby drinking water, putting property owners at risk.

A report by Chemical & Engineering News found that “Airports and military bases use large amounts of firefighting foams for training purposes, and in some cases, the perfluorinated surfactants have slipped into groundwater and surface water supplies.”

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Have You Been Diagnosed with Cancer After Exposure to AFFF?

If you’ve been exposed to firefighting foam (AFFF) and diagnosed with cancer, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.

We are currently investigating claims in which AFFF may have caused kidney cancer or testicular cancer.

If you’ve been exposed to AFFF and diagnosed with kidney cancer or testicular cancer, please call 1-800-525-7111 today for a FREE consultation with an experienced firefighting foam cancer lawyer. 

There is no obligation and you won’t pay any upfront costs or attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive financial compensation in your AFFF cancer lawsuit or settlement.

Please call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s review your AFFF cancer claim.

Those who have suffered from cancer potentially due to AFFF firefighting foam deserve justice and we would love to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Does AFFF Firefighting Foam Cause Cancer - Riddle & BrantleyOur AFFF cancer lawyers are led by Gene Riddle, an award-winning injury attorney who has been recognized for his experience and expertise by such prestigious organizations as The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, The National Association of Distinguished Counsel, and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. He maintains a prestigious AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is the recipient of the 2014 Litigator Award (see disclaimer below).

Since 1985, our firm has been holding manufacturers of potentially dangerous products like AFFF accountable and we would love to help you however we can.

For a FREE, no-obligation consultation concerning your potential AFFF cancer claim, please call 1-800-525-7111. 

“This settlement changed me and my family’s lives.”

Linda B., Riddle & Brantley client

The consultation is free and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

AFFF may cause cancer and we are determined to fight for justice for those who have suffered from cancer potentially due to exposure to these dangerous chemicals.

Call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s review your claim.

Justice Counts.

 


*** Disclaimer: An attorney must meet certain requirements to join these organizations or receive these awards. For more information on Membership Criteria for Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, The National Association of Distinguished Counsel, AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, and the Litigator Award, please visit our Membership Criteria page. These awards and memberships should not be construed as a promise or guarantee of a similar result. Each case is different and must be evaluated separately.