Firefighting Foam (AFFF) Exposure and PFAS: What You Need to Know About the Ongoing Lawsuits
- amber0821
- May 14
- 2 min read
For decades, firefighters, military personnel, airport workers, and others have relied on firefighting foam—known as Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF)—to suppress dangerous fuel fires. But what many didn’t know is that this foam contains toxic chemicals called PFAS, now linked to serious health risks, including cancer.
As the public becomes more aware of these dangers, thousands of individuals are stepping forward, filing lawsuits, and seeking compensation for the long-term harm caused by PFAS exposure.
At Hiatt Law Group, we’re here to help you understand your rights and explore your options if you’ve been affected.
What Is AFFF and Why Is It Dangerous?
AFFF is a specialized firefighting foam used in high-risk environments like airports, military bases, and industrial facilities. The foam contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of chemicals sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment or the human body.
Over time, PFAS can accumulate and cause health problems such as:
Kidney cancer
Testicular cancer
Thyroid cancer
Liver and pancreatic cancer
Leukemia and lymphoma
Ulcerative colitis
Prostate and bladder cancer
Breast, uterine, or endometrial cancer
Who Is at Risk?
You may be at increased risk of PFAS-related illnesses if you:
✅ Worked as a firefighter (civilian or military)
✅ Were exposed to AFFF during training exercises or active duty
✅ Worked in or near airports, refineries, or military installations using AFFF
✅ Lived near facilities that used or stored firefighting foam
Even limited exposure over time may lead to long-term health effects. If you have been diagnosed with any of the illnesses listed above, you may be eligible for legal compensation.
What’s the Status of the AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit?
As of now, AFFF lawsuits are consolidated in a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) in South Carolina. Thousands of claims are pending against major manufacturers of PFAS-based foams, alleging these companies knew about the health risks but failed to warn the public.
While no dedicated AFFF bankruptcy trust exists yet, litigation is ongoing, and potential future trust funds may be established depending on court outcomes and corporate financial decisions.
Hiatt Law Group is closely monitoring the MDL, and we are here to help you understand your place in this evolving legal landscape.
How Hiatt Law Group Can Help
The AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit represents a growing legal response to decades of PFAS exposure in firefighting environments.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or a serious illness after exposure to AFFF, our team can help you:
Review your work and exposure history
Evaluate potential links between your diagnosis and AFFF contact
Navigate current legal options and prepare for potential trust claims
Handle your case with compassion, discretion, and expertise
📞 Call 662-636-6291 for a free consultation today.
You don’t have to do this alone.