Fire Foam

What is Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)? 

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is used widely by fire departments, private companies, and the military to help extinguish fires, including petroleum and jet fuel fires. The foam helps to smother the fire by creating a blanket that cuts off oxygen from the fuel that the fire needs to burn.

Unfortunately, dangerous chemicals called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were regularly used in manufacturing this foam. 

These chemicals have been linked to an increased risk of serious medical conditions such as a variety of cancer types including but not limited to kidney, liver, testicular, and thyroid cancers. PFAS have also been linked to other health problems as well as ulcerative colitis and hypothyroidism. 

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Potential Health Risks of Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) Product 

The health risks of Perfluorooctane Sulfonates (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acids (PFOA) are well documented.  

• One study, Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances in a cohort of women firefighters and office workers in San Francisco, found firefighters had a greater risk of developing cancer than the general population due to exposure to PFAS. 
• The National Cancer Institute published research demonstrating that PFAS were associated with an increased cancer risk among Air Force servicemen.
• The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ASTDR) warned that exposure to PFAS is linked to fertility issues; high cholesterol; immune changes; increased cancer risks; changes in fetal and child development; damage to the liver; increased asthma risk; and increased risk of thyroid disease.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that “current scientific research suggests that exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes.”
• The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that “AFFFs demonstrated significantly altered cellular proliferation, while also inducing toxicity, indicating the presence of toxic compounds” Cellular toxicity and decreased cell proliferation occurred even when the treated cells were exposed to concentrations of PFAS that were 10-times lower than those used for fire suppression. 
• The VA has launched an investigation into the extent of PFAS contamination and is working on mitigating and eliminating the use of PFAS on military bases, as well as expanding outreach and research into the effects of PFAS on human health. 

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FDA Actions Against Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)

The Food and Drug Administration took action in 2024 and announced that food packaging containing PFAS will no longer be sold in the United States. The FDA has also spearheaded programs for advanced testing of PFAS in food substances.  

While the agency has not prohibited the use of PFAS in film-forming foam, the actions the agency has taken demonstrate a recognition of the risks of exposure to PFAS. 

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Other government actions

While the FDA has not prohibited the use of PFAS in firefoam, some official action has still been taken. 

For example, in Michigan, as of July 2020, fire chiefs are required to use only foam that does not contain intentionally added PFAS for training. Fire chiefs also must report the use of AFFF to the Michigan Pollution Emergency Alert System (PEAS) hotline immediately after an incident.

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Why Are Aqueous Film-forming Foam (AFFF)Lawsuits Being Filed? 

AFFF lawsuits are being filed to hold manufacturers accountable for releasing a product on the market that contained dangerous PFAS, thus putting people’s health at risk. 

Those affected argue that the product was inherently unsafe when used as intended and that manufacturers had an obligation to issue a warning about the risks of developing cancer and other serious medical issues linked to foam exposure. 

Some evidence suggests that manufacturers, including 3M and DuPont, may have been aware of the risks as early as the 1970s, and by the 1990s, knew that long-term exposure could increase the chances of developing cancer.

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History of AFFF Lawsuits and Recent Case Updates

Defendants that are being sued for dangerous firefoam products include 3M, AGC Chemicals Americas, Arkema Incorporated, Carrier Global Corporation, Chemours, Chubb National Foam Incorporated, Clariant Corporation, Corteva Incorporated, DuPont, Dynax Corporation, Kidde-Fenwal, Tyco Fire Products, BASF Corporation, UTC Fire & Security Americas. 

Some of the earliest lawsuits related to AFFF exposure were filed in 2019, and hundreds of victims soon began coming forward to pursue a claim. With so many plaintiffs pursuing action, the cases were consolidated in a multi-district litigation (MDL 2873) in the District of South Carolina.

Both plaintiffs and defendants are currently completing the discovery phase as of May 2025. During this phase, evidence is exchanged and each side has the opportunity to build a claim. 

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Who is eligible to file a FirmFoam Lawsuit?

Individuals exposed to AFFF at work may be eligible to file a lawsuit if they have been diagnosed with specific types of medical problems including  kidney, prostate, pancreatic, or liver cancer as well as ulcerative colitis or thyroid disease.

Those whose loved ones passed away due to a condition caused by firefoam exposure may also be able to pursue a case.

Can You Still File a FireFoam Lawsuit? 

You can still file a firefoam lawsuit. However, there is a statute of limitations in place that sets a time limit for pursuing claims, so don’ t hesitate to reach out to an attorney to get help understanding your options for pursuing justice. 

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How To File a Lawsuit Based On Complications of FireFoam

Hiring the right attorney is critical to moving your firefoam case forward and maximizing your chances of compensation. 

We work with trusted law firms throughout the United States who are representing victims affected by exposure to PFAS when using firefoam on the job. We can pair you with the right attorney for your situation so you will have an advocate to help you move forward. 

There is a time limit to filing your claim, so don’t hesitate to act if you suspect you may have a firefoam claim. Give us a call today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help. 

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¹ U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “PFAS - Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.”