Exposure to fire fighting foam can cause cancer. Many fire fighters were exposed to C8 chemicals in fire fighting foam. These chemicals include PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS. Exposures to these chemicals have been scientifically proven to cause cancer by attacking the immune system.
Lawsuits for Exposure to Firefighting Foam
Firefighters have filed thousands of lawsuits for cancer caused by exposures to fire fighting foam (AFFF). A panel of federal judges ordered consolidation of firefighter lawsuits filed across the country into a Multi District Litigation (MDL) pending in the U.S. District Court of South Carolina. This MDL is currently comprised of cases filed for firefighters and others exposed to chemicals PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS. In the coming years, we expect the firefighter litigation will continue to grow as more firefighters file cancer claims.
What is Fire Fighting Foam or AFFF?
These cases are for claims relating to per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Plaintiffs generally allege that the fire fighting foam contaminated groundwater near various military bases, airports, and other industrial sites. These locations are where AFFFs were used to extinguish liquid fuel fires. The U.S. Military has dedicated billions toward environmental cleanups of the groundwater at their bases.
Firefighter Cancer and Exposure to Fire Fighting Foam
Scientific studies continue to examine the causal connection between exposure to these chemicals and cancer. Some highlights include:
- Kidney Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Prostate, Liver, Pancreatic, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Colon Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Leukemia, Lymphoma, Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer
Information on PFAS is available at: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/index.html
More Firefighter Lawsuits are Expected to be Filed
Firefighters and others who were exposed to these chemicals and contracted cancer as a result continue to file lawsuits seeking monetary compensation for their damages. Firefighters were unaware that the fire suppressant foam and their uniforms presented a danger through toxic exposures. As a result, these injured people were unable to protect themselves.
Information about our firm and these suits is available at: https://www.stagliuzza.com/news/firefighter-foam-and-lawsuits
