For nearly a half-century, firefighters have successfully used AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) to quell fires that started due to petroleum accidents. An unfortunate discovery has recently come to the surface, however, and it appears that AFFF can lead to negative health consequences when it leaks into the water supply.
If you’ve experienced side effects related to ingestion of AFFF, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced AFFF lawyer can review your case and determine if you are entitled to claim for an AFFF lawsuit.
Where is AFFF Used?
You will generally find AFFF contamination in areas near military bases, oil fields, and any other areas where a large amount of petroleum may be stored. The EWG (Environmental Working Group) has created an interactive map of areas that are subject to contamination, which is available on their website.
How Does AFFF Enter the Water System?
Despite best practices, sometimes leaks will happen. In areas where AFFF is stored, it can seep into the ground water and can enter into drain systems.
Additionally, when AFFF needs to be used to put out a fire, it is discharged in massive amount. Some or all of the substance will eventually find its way into the water system in these instances.
What are the Common Side Effects of AFFF Ingestion?
The main concern that comes with ingestion of AFFF is that the substance contains carcinogens, or cancer-causing substances, in the form of PFAS (Polyfluroalkyl Substances). PFAS are known to be correlated with the development of a variety of cancers including:
- Renal Cancer (kidney)
- Breast Cancer
- Testicular Neoplasm
- Hepatic Cancer (Liver)
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Prostatic Carcinoma
What Should I Do If I Have Experienced Side Effects Related to AFFF Exposure?
Whether you previously worked near a facility that used AFFF or lived close to one of these areas, if you suffered one of the common side effects of the chemical, you may be entitled to compensation.
The first step you should consider is to contact a lawyer experienced in AFFF litigation. This will serve multiple functions including:
- Raising Awareness in the Community of AFFF Side Effects. While you may have developed one of the cancers associated with AFFF, your neighbors may not have. However, this doesn’t mean that they won’t develop symptoms in the future. Your AFFF lawyer can help to get the word out to the community in order to stop the spread of this harmful substance into community drinking water.
- Guiding You in Your Next Steps. Pursuing a lawsuit such as one dealing with AFFF can be confusing and difficult to navigate on your own. A competent AFFF lawyer can help you to ensure that you take the proper steps in order to receive the most compensation to which you are entitled.
After you have contacted an AFFF lawyer and started the process of pursuing compensation, you can now focus on your recovery. Your lawyer will handle all of the legal aspects of dealing with insurance companies and the industry that was using AFFF in the first place.
