Modern Fluorotelomer AFFF

As its name suggests, this type of AFFF was the primary type of firefighting foam used between 2006 and 2015. After this period, manufacturers transitioned to short-chain fluorotelomer-based fluorosurfactants, commonly referred to as “C6 foams.” They are considered less toxic because they don’t break down as PFOS or PFOA. However, in particular environmental conditions, the breakdown products can include PFHxA, PFPeA, and 5:3 FTCA included in the PFAS group. Additionally, modern fluorotelomer AFFF may contain lower levels of PFOA as an unintended manufacturing impurity or byproduct. Although the C6 foams have shorter molecular chains, they persist in the environment, contaminating the soil and water we are drinking today.

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Risk of exposure to modern fluorotelomer AFFF

Currently, there are no scientific studies that link the PFHxA, PFPeA, and 5:3 FTCA, the main breakdown components of C6 foams, to specific types of cancers. However, the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards set an enforceable limit of 10 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFHxS, and the American Cancer Society (ACS) warns about the potentially hazardous effects of exposure to a combination of two or more PFAS components. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) doesn’t acknowledge PFHxA and PFPeA as known carcinogens, but it associates them with systemic toxicity by topical application.

Recently, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified PFOA as a "possible carcinogenic to humans", based on evidence of bladder cancer from studies in factory workers exposed to PFOA.

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Quality legal assistance for firefighters exposed to modern fluorotelomer AFFF

Whether you served as a civilian firefighter (career or volunteer), or as a member of the military, exposure to AFFF that led to a cancer diagnosis may entitle you to seek justice and financial compensation from the manufacturer responsible. Compensation cannot erase the physical and emotional suffering of cancer, but it can provide critical support with medical expenses and other costs while holding the negligent companies accountable. At Environmental Litigation Group, P.C., we have a long history of representing firefighters harmed by AFFF exposure. Our legal team is highly experienced in toxic exposure litigations, including those involving the modern fluorotelomer AFFF.

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