Firefighting Foam Cancer

Are you a firefighter in Pennsylvania? Have you been diagnosed with cancer? Toxic chemicals in AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) increases the risk of certain types of cancer. Firefighting foam cancer lawsuits help those harmed by AFFF chemicals.

Firefighting Foam Cancer Claims

Firefighters risk their lives for the safety of others. Whether a house is on a fire or an animal is stuck in a tree, firefighters are there to save the day.

The heroic nature of a firefighter is to put themselves in harm’s way to rescue others. Firefighters and other industry professionals are now the ones who may need rescuing.

Advantages of Firefighting Foam

One of the main tools firefighters use to combat fires is foam. Firefighting foam has advantages in stopping fires. The foam covers the flames and prevents oxygen from reaching the fire. It knocks down the fire.

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam

Aqueous film-forming foam is a firefighting tool used around the country. The foam fights flammable liquid fires and extinguishes the flames.

Industries that utilize AFFF include:

• military
• airports
• firefighters
• AFFF manufacturers/distributors
• chemical plants

Airports Stop Using AFFF

Since 2018, Congress has enabled the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act. The Act included the discontinuation of the foam for firefighters at airports due to its high toxicity rate.

U.S. Fire Administration Warning

The U.S. Fire Administration also warns of the harm aqueous film-forming foam can cause. In 2020, the Fire Administration put together this information to help firefighters.

Military Use of AFFF

Congress stopped the use of AFFF at airports. However, military locations still use AFFF to fight fires.

Cancer-Causing Chemicals

Aqueous film-forming foam contains PFAs as a main ingredient. These PFAs cause cancer. This has prompted a series of lawsuits against the AFFF manufacturers and distributors.

The foam is no longer used due to the chemicals found in its makeup. The PFA, or perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are found within the firefighting foam. They are also referred to as C-8 chemicals.

C-8 Chemicals

C-8 chemicals do not break down easily. If consumed by a human these chemicals wreak havoc on the body. The EPA states these chemicals increase the likelihood of cancer and other illnesses.

Since they don’t break down, C-8 chemicals in AFFF can contaminate soil and water. In 2018, a federal inquiry revealed the PFAs were more dangerous than previously understood. The C-8 chemicals lead to drastically increased risks of specific types of cancer.

Common Firefighting Foam Cancers

There are many cancers and illnesses that occur from exposure to these chemicals. They include:

• pancreatic cancer
• bladder cancer
• leukemia
• testicular cancer
• lymphoma
• prostate cancer
• breast cancer
• and more

Groundwater Contamination

Groundwater PFA contamination can cause serious illness, even death. The government has begun action to filter the chemicals found in ground and drinking water.

Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

Do you or a loved one have cancer? Is the cancer related to working with AFFF type foam? If you are in an industry that exposes you or a loved one to firefighting foam, you may have a claim. An experienced attorney can hear your case and determine if you are eligible to receive compensation.

Lancaster Cancer Lawyer

If you or a loved one developed cancer from AFFF exposure, call Haggerty & Silverman today. Talk to one of our experienced attorneys in a free consultation. Our caring legal team will help you get the money you deserve.