Traditional AFFF contained PFAS compounds that linger in the body and have been associated with kidney cancer and testicular cancer.
Military bases
Alabama is home to several military installations where AFFF was historically used for aircraft rescue and firefighting, fuel fire response, and emergency preparedness, including:
- Redstone Arsenal
- Fort Novosel
- Maxwell Air Force Base
- Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base
- Anniston Army Depot
Airports
FAA certification requirements historically obligated Alabama's commercial airports to stock firefighting foam capable of suppressing aircraft fuel fires. ARFF personnel trained and responded at:
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International
- Huntsville International
- Mobile Regional
- Montgomery Regional
- Dothan Regional
ARFF personnel handled AFFF during aircraft crash drills, fuel spill response, live-fire exercises, and emergency responses.
Volunteer fire departments
Alabama has more than 1,000 certified volunteer fire departments, many receiving state support and training through the Alabama Forestry Commission. Volunteer departments may have trained with or deployed AFFF while serving:
- Airports
- Fuel terminals
- Industrial facilities
- Petroleum storage sites
- Transportation corridors
Fire training facilities
The Alabama Fire College serves as the primary statewide training center, providing firefighter education, including Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting instruction, and regional training programs. Exposure at training facilities often occurred through repeated live-fire exercises involving foam discharge rather than a single emergency incident.