Understanding AFFF and Its Dangers
AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) was developed in the 1960s as a revolutionary firefighting tool specifically designed to extinguish difficult-to-fight fuel fires. The foam works by creating a thin film that spreads across burning fuel, cutting off oxygen and preventing reignition. Because of its effectiveness, AFFF became standard equipment at military bases, offshore oil platforms, refineries, and fire departments across Louisiana and nationwide.
What makes AFFF dangerous is its chemical composition. The foam contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), particularly PFOA and PFOS. These synthetic compounds are called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down naturally in the environment or human body. Instead, they accumulate over time, potentially reaching levels that trigger serious health problems.
Scientific research has established clear links between PFAS exposure and several life-threatening conditions. A comprehensive 2021 study in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that firefighters had significantly higher levels of PFAS in their blood compared to the general population. The American Cancer Society recognizes these chemicals as possible human carcinogens, with strong evidence for kidney and testicular cancer.
The evidence became so compelling that in 2018, the Department of Defense began phasing out AFFF containing PFOA and PFOS. The EPA has established health advisory levels for these chemicals in drinking water at just 70 parts per trillion—an extremely small amount that highlights their toxicity. Unfortunately, these actions came too late for thousands of Louisiana workers who had already experienced decades of exposure.
Health Risks from AFFF Exposure
The PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam have been linked to numerous serious health conditions. These toxic compounds can remain in the body for years after exposure, gradually accumulating and potentially causing cellular damage that leads to cancer. Louisiana firefighters, oil rig workers, and military personnel who used AFFF face particularly high risks. Below are the most significant health concerns associated with AFFF exposure that may qualify for legal compensation:
PFAS compounds concentrate in kidney tissue, dramatically increasing cancer risk and potentially causing permanent kidney function impairment after AFFF exposure.
Studies link AFFF chemicals to testicular cancer and decreased fertility, with firefighters showing cancer rates significantly higher than average.
Research connects PFAS exposure to liver cancer and non-cancerous liver disease, with elevated rates among those with regular AFFF contact.
Leukemia and lymphoma rates appear higher in populations with significant AFFF exposure, as PFAS chemicals damage bone marrow and immune function.
Beyond major cancers, AFFF exposure has been linked to thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, and elevated cholesterol, expanding the list of compensable conditions.
If you’ve been diagnosed with any of these conditions following AFFF exposure, our Louisiana AFFF attorneys can evaluate your case for potential compensation. These serious health consequences form the foundation of lawsuits against manufacturers who failed to warn users about these risks.
Legal Basis for AFFF Lawsuits
AFFF lawsuits are built on established legal principles that hold manufacturers accountable for injuries caused by their dangerous products. These cases typically involve product liability claims against companies that produced and sold firefighting foam despite evidence of its dangers. Our Louisiana AFFF lawyers leverage these legal foundations to build strong cases for victims seeking justice.
Evidence shows manufacturers knew about PFAS risks decades ago but concealed this information while continuing to sell their foam products.
Firefighting foam was inherently dangerous by design, with companies choosing toxic PFAS chemicals when safer alternatives could have been developed.
Manufacturers failed to properly warn users about AFFF cancer risks, preventing Louisiana firefighters from taking necessary protective measures.
Companies improperly tested and disposed of AFFF, allowing PFAS to contaminate groundwater near Louisiana military bases and industrial facilities.
These legal arguments have led to significant developments, including the consolidation of cases into multidistrict litigation and several manufacturers proposing settlements. Dudley DeBosier leverages this evolving case law to build the strongest possible claims for Louisiana victims seeking compensation.
Do You Qualify for an AFFF Lawsuit?
If you’ve been exposed to firefighting foam and later diagnosed with cancer or another serious health condition, you may qualify for compensation through an AFFF lawsuit. Our Louisiana AFFF attorneys carefully evaluate each case based on specific qualification criteria:
Exposure Requirements:
- Service as a military firefighter
- Work as an airport firefighter
- Employment as a civilian firefighter
- Duties on military flight decks
- Work on offshore oil platforms
- Employment at facilities manufacturing AFFF
- Transportation of firefighting foam
- Work at AFFF disposal facilities
- Your exposure must have occurred after 1960, when PFAS-containing foams entered widespread use
Qualifying Medical Conditions:
- Kidney cancer (15-year minimum latency period)
- Testicular cancer (15-year latency)
- Bladder cancer (4-year latency)
- Pancreatic cancer (10-year latency)
- Prostate cancer (15-year latency)
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (10-year latency)
- Leukemia (5-year latency)
- Liver cancer (12-year latency)
- Thyroid disease or cancer (no minimum latency)
For your case to qualify, your diagnosis must have occurred after your exposure, and you must have been between 18–85 years old when diagnosed.
If these criteria match your situation, our experienced Louisiana AFFF lawyers at Dudley DeBosier can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Take our instant case evaluation today to determine your eligibility.
Steps to Take After AFFF Harm
If you believe your health has been affected by exposure to AFFF firefighting foam, taking specific steps can help protect both your wellbeing and your legal rights. Many Louisiana firefighters, offshore workers, and veterans are only now discovering the connection between their illnesses and past foam exposure. Here’s what you should do if you suspect AFFF has impacted your health.
Seek comprehensive medical assessment of your symptoms, ensuring healthcare providers document potential connections to your AFFF exposure history.
Document when and where you used AFFF, including dates, locations, and frequency of exposure throughout your career or service.
Collect service records, employment documentation, and any information about AFFF use at your workplace to establish your exposure history.
Complete our quick online evaluation to determine if you qualify for an AFFF lawsuit and understand your potential compensation options.
Acting promptly is crucial as Louisiana law limits the time to file toxic exposure claims. Our experienced AFFF attorneys at Dudley DeBosier can guide you through each step while you focus on your health and recovery.
Check Your Eligibility Now
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer after exposure to firefighting foam, don’t wait to learn about your legal options. Dudley DeBosier’s Louisiana AFFF attorneys are ready to evaluate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Time limits apply, so take our quick assessment today to see if you qualify.