Firefighting Foam Lawsuit (AFFF) in Louisiana

Since the 1960s firefighters have been using aqueous film-foaming foam (AFFF), which contains polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and synthetic foaming agents. This substance has been used to coat textiles, including firefighter’s gear, to fireproof these textiles. The firefighting foam itself is primarily used to fight petroleum fires. However, in recent years, it has been discovered that firefighting foam (AFFF) could potentially lead to health problems in firefighters. According to the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine firefighting foam products have been banned in the European Union and Canada because of their potential to impact the health of firefighters. The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine notes that PFAS are associated with cancer. There has also been some evidence found that these substances can cause testicular and kidney cancer in humans and in animal studies these substances have been connected with the incidence of other types of cancer. Other studies on the health risks of PFAS indicate that they are associated with a range of cancers including testicular and kidney cancer. Other types of cancer include breast cancer, and other reports indicate that PFAS could be a hormone disruptor and affect the immune system.

There are two concerns with the ongoing use of AFFF foam. One concern is the cancer risk to firefighters themselves, and the second concern is the risk that this foam poses to the general population when it enters the environment, community, or water supply after it is used. If you or someone you love was a firefighter who developed cancer, particularly kidney or testicular cancer after fighting fires using AFFF foam, you and your family may have the right to pursue a lawsuit. Furthermore, if you lived in an area where AFFF foam was disposed of nearby or used near your home, and you or someone you love went on to develop testicular or kidney cancer, you may have the right to fight back and seek compensation for your losses. Stag Liuzza is a firefighting foam lawsuit lawyer in Louisiana that may be able to assist you if you think firefighting foam might be the cause of your cancer.

Situations Where AFFF Firefighting Foam May Have Entered the Groundwater

There are many factors at play when determining whether firefighting foam chemicals may have entered the groundwater. According to the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, factors that govern whether the dangerous chemicals entered the environment depends on how much foam was released and the type of soil in the area. But there have been news reports that the Department of Defense has been disposing of and burning its stockpile of these dangerous substances near residential areas. According to WJLA, because AFFF has been shown to be a risk if it enters the groundwater, in some cases it has been burned by the Department of Defense.  This also poses a hazard because it gets into the air. PFAS are considered “forever chemicals” because they have strong bonds and don’t break down easily in the environment or in the human body. This is why it is very hazardous and concerning to have this substance in the body or in the groundwater.

Reports indicate that cities like New Orleans and other cities in Louisiana may have high amounts of PFAS in their water systems. These dangerous chemicals may be linked to cancer in high doses or in regular doses. Other impacts of PFAS include hormonal issues and immune response issues. Concerned about the disposal of AFFF firefighting foam in your community? Think you may have developed cancer because of the use of this foam? Think you might have developed a health condition because of bad water in your community in Louisiana? Reach out to Stag Liuzza, a firefighting foam lawsuit lawyer in Louisiana today.

Protecting Firefighters Who May Have Been Exposed to AFFF

Firefighters may be at particular risk because of their potential for long-term close exposure to PFAS chemicals through AFFF firefighting foam. If you have been a long-time firefighter, know that your department has been using AFFF, and have recently developed cancer, you may have the right to seek damages and compensation for your injuries and losses. Stag Liuzza is a firefighting foam lawsuit attorney in Louisiana that may be able to assist you if you or someone you love is fighting cancer or has passed away from cancer as a result of this substance. You and your loved ones may have rights and may be able to join a growing number of families and individuals fighting back. Contact the firefighting foam attorneys in Louisiana at Stag Liuzza today to learn more.

Other Professions Where Workers May Have Been Exposed to AFFF

Workers other than firefighters may also have been exposed to AFFF and its dangerous chemicals. Airport workers may have been exposed because AFFF was used in airports for its ability to put out petroleum fires. Military personnel may also have been exposed to AFFF. If you have worked in a profession where you may have been exposed to AFFF or believe you were exposed to AFFF and went on to develop cancer, Stag Liuzza is a firefighting foam lawsuit lawyer in Louisiana that may be able to help you. Contact us today to learn more.

In light of the knowledge we now have about firefighting foam, the military and fire departments are changing their practices regarding the use of the foam. However, for those who have historical exposure to these chemicals, it is already too late. Stag Liuzza is a firefighting foam lawsuit lawyer in Louisiana that may be able to assist you if you have developed cancer after long-term exposure to firefighting foam. Reach out to our lawyers today to learn more.