San Francisco AFFF Lawsuit Attorney Helping Victims of Firefighting Foam Exposure
If you were exposed to AFFF firefighting foam in San Francisco and later developed a serious health condition such as kidney cancer, testicular cancer, or thyroid disease, you may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit. AFFF contains toxic PFAS chemicals, also known as forever chemicals, that have been linked to long-term health risks in firefighters, military personnel, airport workers, and residents near contaminated sites.
A trusted San Francisco AFFF lawsuit attorney can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages caused by PFAS exposure.
What is AFFF and Why is it Dangerous?
Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) has been used for decades to suppress high-intensity fires, especially those caused by flammable liquids. While effective at firefighting, AFFF contains harmful chemicals that pose serious health and environmental risks.
What is AFFF?
AFFF stands for Aqueous Film Forming Foam. It is a synthetic foam used to extinguish fuel-based fires. Fire departments, airports, and military bases across the United States, including in San Francisco, have used AFFF in training and emergency response.
AFFF works by creating a film that cuts off oxygen from the fire source. The foam contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS. These chemicals do not break down easily and can remain in the environment and human body for years.
What Chemicals Are in AFFF?
AFFF contains toxic PFAS chemicals. These substances are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence. Common PFAS compounds in AFFF include PFOA and PFOS. These compounds are linked to several types of cancer and other health issues.
The Environmental Protection Agency has warned about the dangers of PFAS contamination. In San Francisco and other cities, these chemicals have been detected in water sources near fire training sites and airports.
How AFFF Exposure Happens
People can be exposed to AFFF through direct contact, inhalation during firefighting, or by drinking contaminated water. Firefighters, airport workers, military personnel, and nearby residents face the highest risk.
Prolonged exposure to AFFF increases the chance of PFAS buildup in the body. This buildup has been connected to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver cancer, thyroid disease, and other severe health conditions.
Why AFFF is Dangerous
The health risks linked to AFFF come from its chemical makeup. Studies show that PFAS disrupt hormone functions and may cause cancer. The National Cancer Institute and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry have both reported these findings.
Because AFFF contains dangerous chemicals, its use has been limited in some states. In California, Health and Safety Code Section 25229 restricts PFAS use in certain products, including firefighting foam. Despite these measures, many people have already been exposed.
The Impact in San Francisco
San Francisco has several locations where AFFF was used regularly. These include fire stations, the San Francisco International Airport, and nearby military sites. Residents near these areas may have come into contact with contaminated soil or water.
If you were exposed to firefighting foam in San Francisco and developed serious health conditions, you may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit.
Health Risks Linked to AFFF Exposure
Exposure to AFFF firefighting foam is associated with serious health conditions due to the presence of toxic PFAS chemicals.
Types of Cancer Linked to AFFF
Scientific research has identified several cancers linked to PFAS exposure from AFFF. These include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, and thyroid cancer. Male breast cancer and other rare forms have also been reported.
Firefighters and military personnel exposed to AFFF during training or active duty are at a higher risk. Long-term exposure increases the likelihood of developing one or more of these cancers.
Other Serious Health Conditions
In addition to cancer, AFFF exposure may lead to several non-cancerous but severe health conditions. These include thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, immune system damage, and hormonal disorders. PFAS chemicals affect how the body regulates vital systems, which may lead to chronic illness over time.
Children exposed during early development may face higher risks of lifelong complications. Pregnant women are also more vulnerable to PFAS effects.
How PFAS Chemicals Affect the Body
PFAS compounds in AFFF resist breaking down in the environment and the human body. Over time, they accumulate in blood, tissues, and organs. This prolonged presence allows the chemicals to interfere with hormone regulation, kidney function, and liver performance.
Even small amounts of PFAS can lead to measurable health effects. The Environmental Protection Agency and medical experts agree that there is no safe level of PFAS exposure.
Risk to Firefighters and Military Personnel
Firefighters and military personnel have the highest risk due to frequent contact with AFFF. Fire departments across the United States used AFFF in live drills and emergency responses. In San Francisco, exposure has been reported at training facilities and near airports.
Veterans who served on military bases where AFFF was stored or used may now face cancer or other related illnesses. Many of these individuals are eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit due to direct exposure.
Environmental and Community Health Impact
PFAS from AFFF can contaminate local water supplies, putting entire communities at risk. In San Francisco, firefighting foam has been a concern in areas near the San Francisco International Airport and older fire stations. Residents may have unknowingly consumed water containing harmful PFAS chemicals.
If you live or work near these areas and have developed a serious health issue, it may be linked to AFFF exposure. An AFFF fire foam lawsuit attorney can help determine if you qualify for legal action.
Who is Most at Risk in San Francisco?
Certain groups in San Francisco face higher risks of exposure to AFFF firefighting foam and its harmful PFAS chemicals.
Firefighters in San Francisco
Firefighters are among the most exposed to AFFF. The San Francisco Fire Department used AFFF during training and in emergency situations. Firefighters often had direct skin contact with the foam and inhaled its fumes during active use.
This exposure puts them at risk for kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and other serious health issues linked to firefighting foam. Many of these professionals may now qualify to file an AFFF lawsuit.
Airport and Aviation Workers
AFFF has been widely used at San Francisco International Airport. Aircraft rescue and firefighting crews relied on AFFF to control jet fuel fires. Ground crew members, emergency responders, and maintenance staff may have also come into contact with the foam during spills or system tests.
Long-term exposure in airport settings increases the chance of developing cancer and other health conditions related to PFAS contamination.
Military Personnel and Veterans
Military personnel based near San Francisco are another high-risk group. AFFF was standard issue on military bases for decades. Servicemembers often used the foam during drills or emergencies without protective gear.
Veterans who served at nearby installations, including naval and coast guard bases, may have been exposed repeatedly over time. Many are now experiencing health problems that qualify for an AFFF cancer lawsuit.
Residents Near Contaminated Sites
People living near fire stations, airports, and military facilities may also be at risk. PFAS chemicals can enter groundwater and travel through soil. In San Francisco, areas near the airport and older firehouses may have been affected by AFFF runoff or spills.
Residents who drank local water or grew food in contaminated soil may have unknowingly absorbed PFAS. This group may include children and pregnant women, who are especially vulnerable to harmful substances.
Industrial and Waste Management Workers
Workers who handled AFFF waste or transported it from storage sites in San Francisco could have been exposed without knowing the risks. Improper disposal of firefighting foam also created exposure points for people working in local waste facilities or landfills.
If these individuals now suffer from serious health conditions, they may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit with the help of a qualified AFFF lawsuit attorney.
Are You Eligible to File an AFFF Lawsuit in San Francisco?
Many individuals in San Francisco may qualify to file an AFFF fire foam lawsuit if they were exposed to firefighting foam and later developed serious health conditions.
Health Conditions Linked to AFFF Exposure
You may be eligible if you have been diagnosed with a health condition linked to AFFF firefighting foam. These include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, liver cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and ulcerative colitis. Male breast cancer and other rare forms have also been reported among exposed individuals.
Medical records showing diagnosis and treatment for one of these conditions will support your claim. A history of AFFF exposure is also necessary.
Documented AFFF Exposure
Eligibility depends on whether you were exposed to AFFF. This includes direct contact through firefighting, military service, airport work, or industrial waste handling. Residents near contaminated sites in San Francisco may also qualify if they consumed water or food containing PFAS chemicals.
Examples of exposure sources include the San Francisco International Airport, fire stations, military bases, and waste disposal areas.
California’s Statute of Limitations
California law limits how long you have to file an AFFF fire foam lawsuit. Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of diagnosis or discovery of the illness.
If you wait too long, you may lose your right to compensation. Speaking with an AFFF lawsuit attorney can help confirm whether your case still qualifies under state law.
Types of Evidence That Support Your Case
To file a strong firefighting foam lawsuit, you will need:
- Medical records showing diagnosis
- Work history or service records showing exposure to AFFF
- Environmental testing reports if available
- Witness statements or training documents showing AFFF use
An AFFF lawsuit attorney in San Francisco can help gather and organize this evidence for you.
Who Can File on Behalf of Others
Family members may file claims on behalf of deceased loved ones. This includes wrongful death cases linked to AFFF exposure. Spouses and children may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of support.
Why Choose a San Francisco AFFF Lawsuit Attorney at Rueb Stoller Daniel
Choosing the right legal representation can make a major difference in the outcome of your AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit.
Focus on Firefighting Foam Lawsuits
Rueb Stoller Daniel has direct experience with AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits. The firm understands the legal and scientific issues involved in PFAS exposure cases. This includes linking exposure to specific health conditions such as kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and thyroid disease.
The team builds each case based on strong medical records, exposure history, and federal guidelines tied to AFFF litigation.
Local Knowledge of San Francisco Cases
Rueb Stoller Daniel is familiar with locations in San Francisco where AFFF exposure likely occurred. These include the San Francisco International Airport, military facilities, and fire stations that used film-forming foam AFFF in training and operations.
This local focus helps the firm collect relevant evidence, contact witnesses, and understand how contamination may have spread in affected communities.
Full Legal Support for Victims
Victims of firefighting foam exposure often deal with large medical expenses, lost income, and serious health risks. The attorneys at Rueb Stoller Daniel work to recover financial compensation for those damages.
The firm helps clients file claims, meet court deadlines, and join ongoing AFFF multidistrict litigation if needed. Clients pay no legal fees unless compensation is recovered.
One-on-One Attention
Each case is handled with personal care. Clients receive updates, clear instructions, and legal advice based on the facts of their situation. The firm’s AFFF lawsuit attorneys take the time to understand how PFAS exposure has affected your health, your family, and your future.
Proven Commitment to Justice
Rueb Stoller Daniel is committed to holding chemical manufacturers accountable for exposing people to harmful PFAS chemicals. The firm takes legal action against companies that made or distributed dangerous AFFF products.
Frequently Asked Questions About the San Francisco AFFF Lawsuit
People exposed to AFFF firefighting foam in San Francisco often have questions about their legal rights, health risks, and how to take legal action.
How do I file a San Francisco AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit?
To file an AFFF lawsuit, you must show exposure to firefighting foam and a related health diagnosis. This includes cancer or another PFAS-linked illness. An AFFF lawsuit attorney will collect your records and file your claim in state court or federal AFFF litigation.
What health issues qualify for an AFFF fire foam lawsuit?
You may qualify for an AFFF cancer lawsuit if you were diagnosed with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver cancer, thyroid disease, or ulcerative colitis. These health issues are linked to PFAS exposure from AFFF firefighting foam used in San Francisco.
Can residents in San Francisco sue for PFAS water contamination from AFFF?
Yes. If you lived near areas like San Francisco International Airport or a fire station and drank PFAS-contaminated water, you may have a claim. A lawsuit may be possible if you developed a serious health issue linked to toxic AFFF chemicals.
How long do I have to file an AFFF fire foam lawsuit in California?
In California, you have two years from the date of diagnosis or discovery of harm to file an AFFF lawsuit. Speak to an AFFF lawsuit lawyer right away to protect your claim.
Who qualifies to join the AFFF multidistrict litigation for PFAS exposure?
Firefighters, airport staff, military personnel, and residents exposed to AFFF and later diagnosed with a related illness may qualify. If you meet these conditions, you could join the AFFF multidistrict litigation and seek compensation.
Additional Resources on AFFF Lawsuits and PFAS Exposure
For more detailed information on AFFF firefighting foam, health impacts, and legal updates, explore the resources below. These articles offer key insights for individuals in San Francisco considering an AFFF lawsuit.
AFFF Fire Foam Lawsuits: Facts & Updates
This guide breaks down current developments in AFFF litigation, including who qualifies, what damages may be recovered, and how the legal process works.
Expert Witnesses in AFFF Fire Foam Lawsuits
Learn how expert testimony supports claims in firefighting foam lawsuits and why these witnesses are critical in proving PFAS exposure and related health conditions.
AFFF Water Contamination: What You Need to Know
Find out how AFFF firefighting foam pollutes drinking water sources and what legal rights victims have after being exposed to PFAS through contaminated groundwater.
Health Risks Associated with AFFF Exposure
Understand the full list of medical risks linked to AFFF, including types of cancer, thyroid problems, and other serious health conditions tied to PFAS chemicals.
AFFF Fire Foam Contamination: Legal Insights
Get a closer look at the legal strategies used in AFFF lawsuits and how victims of firefighting foam exposure can build strong claims for compensation.
Take Action with a San Francisco AFFF Lawsuit Attorney at Rueb Stoller Daniel!
If you or a loved one were exposed to AFFF firefighting foam in San Francisco and have been diagnosed with a related illness, do not wait to seek legal help. PFAS exposure can lead to serious health conditions, and you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Our team at Rueb Stoller Daniel is ready to review your case, explain your legal options, and help you file an AFFF lawsuit. Contact us today at 1-866-CALL-RSD for a free consultation with an experienced San Francisco AFFF lawsuit attorney!
