If you’re familiar with the firefighting industry or know a firefighter, you would know they use a fire suppressant called aqueous film-forming foam. Another name for this fire suppressant is AFFF.
It is used to put out flammable liquid fires and can be used almost anywhere. While it has a positive side, as it helps put out fires, there is also a downside.
AFFF contains toxic compounds that could lead to health issues like cancer. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are some of the deadly toxins in AFFF. They are dangerous to the environment, humans, and even animals.
Despite the positive use of AFFF, it has come under scrutiny in recent years due to its adverse impacts. It has led to a surge in lawsuits concerning the fire suppressant.
This article delves into the concerns that have come up concerning the fire suppressant. We will also explore the environmental and health implications of the suppressant.
A Closer Look at AFFF
As earlier stated, AFFF contains toxins like PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS. These are human-made chemicals that have dangerous effects. As a result, concerns have arisen about the widespread use of AFFF and the potential contamination of water sources.
When firefighters spray AFFF, it cools the fire and coats the fuel that causes it. It also covers oxygen with a coating to keep oxygen from getting to the fuel. It prevents the fire from starting up again.
The primary question that has popped up repeatedly is: Is AFFF toxic?
The answer: Yes. Although humans have little PFAS in their bloodstream, it becomes toxic if continuously exposed to dangerous amounts. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, PFOS is classified as a 2B Carcinogen. It shows how lethal it can be to humans.
Due to health and environmental concerns, some manufacturers stopped producing PFOS as early as 2022. Other businesses committed to gradually ceasing manufacturing of PFOA and compounds related to PFOA by 2015.
Those at Risk and Environmental Impact
AFFF can be used almost anywhere. Chemical plants, firefighting agencies, and military facilities are the commonest places to use AFFF.
Firefighters and those close to military bases are the most frequently exposed to AFFF. Unfortunately, many do not know the risks associated with this fire suppressant and are exposed to the highest risk of cancer.
Oil and gas employees are also frequently exposed to this fire suppressant. Due to the nature of their job, it’s almost impossible to avoid it.
One central focal point of the AFFF lawsuit is its environmental impact. Firefighting operations, military exercises, and industrial incidents that use AFFF have released toxins into the environment.
These chemicals can accumulate in soil and water, becoming environmental risks. Contaminated water supplies have been reported near military bases where AFFF is constantly used.
Health Concerns
The health implications of PFAS exposure have prompted individuals and communities to seek legal action. Some of these health issues include kidney cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, thyroid diseases, ulcerative colitis, etc.
Interestingly, TorHoerman Law tells us that AFFF doesn’t cause harm. Instead, the chemical substances in it, like PFOS, PFAS, and PFOA, are dangerous.
Due to this, there are lawsuits from people who allege health problems due to prolonged exposure to PFAS-containing foam. These people are usually firefighters and military personnel.
Regulatory Response
In response to growing concerns, regulatory bodies have started to address the issue. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other international agencies are working to establish guidelines and regulations regarding PFAS use and disposal.
However, the legal landscape remains complex. There are currently ongoing debates about the responsibility of manufacturers, users, and regulatory bodies in addressing AFFF-related issues.
Over the years, numerous businesses have produced and distributed AFFF. In the United States, 3M and DuPont are two of the largest producers of firefighting foam. All AFFF products contain perfluoroalkyl and carbon compounds (PFAS), sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down naturally.
Corporate Accountability
These lawsuits have targeted manufacturers of firefighting foam. It is alleged that these companies were aware of the potential risks associated with PFAS yet failed to warn users adequately. Companies such as 3M, DuPont, and Chemours have faced legal actions seeking compensation for health damages and environmental remediation.
In the last thirty days, three hundred fifty-one new cases were added to the MDL. It brings the total number of AFFF claims to over 6,400.
Nevertheless, the agreement made in October resolved half of these cases involving municipal water contamination. The remaining cases—individual personal injury claims—should be the main focus.
A global settlement agreement resolved many of the AFFF water contamination claims that local water authorities and municipalities had filed in October 2023. As part of the agreement, 3M, DuPont, and the other defendants will have to pay $10.3 billion to settle these claims.
As a veteran, civilian, or firefighter, you may have been exposed to the dangerous AFFF Carcinogens. You have the legal right to pursue compensation from the company that caused your injury with proof that the exposure is the cause of your illness.
The aftermath of AFFF use presents significant challenges for environmental remediation. Cleaning up PFAS contamination in soil and water is complex and costly.
Communities affected by AFFF contamination may face long-term consequences. It includes disruptions to their water supply and negative impacts on property values.
The lawsuits shed light on the intersection of firefighting practices, environmental stewardship, and public health. As legal actions continue to unfold, regulatory bodies, industries, and communities must collaborate to address the ecological and health challenges AFFF poses.