Firefighting is a noble profession, often associated with bravery and heroism. Firefighters put their lives into risk to protect people and their property from the effects of fire.
However, a new threat has emerged in recent years, not from the flames but from the substance used to extinguish them – Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). What was once hailed as a revolutionary has now become the subject of lawsuits. It is all because of its environmental and health impacts.
AFFF was developed as an effective fire clampdown tool. Its ability to smother fires made it indispensable for firefighting operations. For decades, AFFF was used by military and civilian fire departments, airports, refineries, and industrial facilities around the world.
Environmental and Health Concerns:
However, the widespread use of aqueous film-forming foam, or AFFF, has come at a significant cost to the environment and human health. The foam contains PFAS chemical – a group of synthetic chemicals. These chemicals remain in the environment persistently and are a form of potential toxicity.
According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, AFFF was called off due to the high PFAS content. PFAS negatively impacts human health, waterways, and wildlife. They are dangerous as they don’t break down in the environment. PFAS have also been the reason of health issues like cancer, reproductive problems, and immune disorders.
Contamination and Cleanup Efforts:
Concerns regarding the contamination of AFFF have increased in tandem with the increased awareness of the PFAS hazards. Firefighting training facilities, military bases, and airports, in particular, have been identified as significant sources of PFAS contamination due to the routine use of AFFF in training exercises and emergency responses.
As stated by ConsumerNotice, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said that PFAS chemicals are found in the blood of most people in the USA. For many people, it doesn’t really pose a threat to life. However, individuals who have a high content of this chemical in their blood might face health issues.
In response to concerns, agencies have come up with measures to diminish PFAS contamination. However, the complexity of the problem poses challenges, with cleanup costs running into the billions of dollars. Moreover, the legal landscape surrounding AFFF contamination is evolving rapidly.
Rise of AFFF Lawsuits:
As per reports, Lawsuits against AFFF makers have increased dramatically in recent years. According to TruLaw, individuals can choose to file lawsuits against the manufacturing of AFFF. Several communities and governmental entities also stood against the same motive. They sought compensation for damages related to PFAS contamination.
Plaintiffs allege that manufacturers knew about the risks associated with PFAS but didn’t warn or take steps to mitigate contamination. As a result, they argue, they have been exposed to harmful chemicals without their knowledge.
According to the National Library of Medicine, consumers increasingly demanded actions against PFAS chemicals. People chose to fight because these harmful chemicals posed health risks. The side effects of AFFF include cancer, thyroid, asthma, immune disorder, and many more issues.
Legal battles over AFFF have played out in courtrooms with outcomes varying on each case. Some lawsuits, like the AFFF Lawsuit, have resulted in substantial settlements or judgments against AFFF manufacturers.
FAQs
- Who Can File An AFFF Lawsuit?
As per reports, exposure to AFFF is found to have links with severe health issues. Because AFFF includes chemicals like PFAS and PFOS, it poses various health risks like cancer, kidney failure, thyroid, etc. People like firefighters who are exposed to it and later face such health issues can file AFFF lawsuits.
- Who Stands Liable For AFFF Exposure?
For over 50 years, AFFF manufacturers have used PFAS to lower surface tension. They did this knowingly, being aware that repeated exposure to this chemical can cause cancer and other issues. So, the companies that manufacture AFFF with carcinogenic components may stand liable for AFFF exposure.
- What Compensation Can You Avail Yourself Of If You Were Exposed to AFFF?
The compensation depends on many factors. Plaintiffs who file the AFFF lawsuit are eligible to seek monetary damages. They can seek both economic and non-economic losses. Also, the precise figure depends on case to case. So, your compensation will depend on the factors of your particular case.
The surge in AFFF lawsuits reflects increasing awareness of PFAS risks. The impact of AFFF contamination is significant, from firefighters to nearby communities. Prioritizing affected individuals and ecosystems and holding responsible parties accountable is crucial for a safer future.
