Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) has been considered the most effective fire fighting material for decades. However, it contains dangerous chemicals and many firefighters started complaining of AFFF fire foam contamination and the potentially fatal conditions it causes. If you were exposed to this substance, consult with the mass tort lawyers at Rueb Stoller Daniel to find out if you may file a lawsuit.
Here are some of the most important facts related to AFFF exposure and its consequences.
Why Is AFFF Dangerous?
The fire fighting foam has the ability to prevent a fire from spreading and extinguish it by forming foam which stops oxygen from fueling the flame. Unfortunately, this foam is created by Perfluoroakyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
These chemicals were linked to onset of many health conditions, such as:
- Various types of cancer
- Hormonal disruptions
- Liver and kidney damage
- Immune system suppression
- Reproductive and fertility problems
Methods of AFFF Fire Foam Contamination
AFFF foam can enter the human body in various ways. The most common is by inhalation of the particles. However, contamination also occurs by ingesting water with AFFF particles and by skin contact.
The immediate symptoms of exposure to PFAS in fire fighting foam include:
- Respiratory problems
- Coughing and wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Skin rashes
- Irritation of the eyes
- Headaches
- Dizziness.
Who Is Most Likely to Suffer AFFF Exposure?
Our legal team has identified three professional groups who are subject to AFFF exposure constantly in the course of their job duties:
- Firefighters and first responders
- Military personnel
- Airport staff
- Industrial worker at AFFF manufacturing plants
Also, people who drank groundwater contaminated with AFFF may have a valid case. Consult with an experienced mass tort lawyer at Rueb Stoller Daniel to know if you qualify.
The good news is that the Department of Defense has already issued specifications that exclude PFAS from the list of accepted chemicals in fire fighting materials. However, this decision comes too late for a multitude of people who are now fighting potentially fatal conditions.
Who Is Eligible to Seek Damages for AFF Exposure?
There are two basic conditions to prove that you deserve compensation for AFFF foam contamination. First, you must show that you were exposed to the substance over a period of time – several years. This can be done by showing that you worked in one of the jobs described above. Or you can show that you live in the area where the groundwater used as primary water supply is contaminated with AFFF particles.
Secondly, you must demonstrate that you developed one of the following types of cancer:
- Prostate cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Bladder cancer
Exposure to PFAS in AFFF foam can also cause thyroid disease or ulcerative colitis, thus people who developed these conditions are also eligible to seek compensation.
Ways to Prove AFFF Fire Foam Contamination
It is important to keep a clear track of your employment and medical history. A lawyer will need to prove the correlation between your health condition and the exposure to the dangerous chemicals.
Thus, make sure that you get all your medical records, starting with the first tests that diagnosed your condition and the list of places where you lived and worked.
Find Out If You Have a Case from an Experienced Mass Tort Lawyer!
While the information in this article gives you a general idea of how to prove AFFF fire foam contamination, only a skilled mass tort lawyer at Rueb Stoller Daniel can tell you if you have the right to file a lawsuit.
We will examine your evidence and, if you have a solid case, we will represent you on a contingency fee basis. Do not wait too long before seeking legal advice, as the statute of limitations may expire.
Call us to schedule a free case evaluation at 1-866-CALL-RSD!
