Leading the drills, bearing the risk: AFFF cancer claims for firefighter training captains

The role you played in conducting foam training exercises may entitle you to significant compensation if you have been diagnosed with cancer after serving as a firefighter training captain. They are repeatedly exposed to AFFF application, runoff, and contaminated gear and surfaces. The majority of their responsibilities include overseeing cleanup procedures, managing AFFF quantities, demonstrating foam application techniques, and evaluating personal protective equipment and decontamination techniques.

Occupational activities increase exposure in multiple ways:

• Inhalation of PFAS vapors and aerosols during foam application demonstrations
• Dermal contact with foam concentrate, diluted foam, and contaminated equipment
• Indirect ingestion through hand-to-mouth contact after handling contaminated gear or surfaces
• Environmental exposure from training ground runoff and contaminated station areas

Multiple firefighter studies demonstrate measurable increases in serum PFAS after training exercises, with firefighters showing higher PFAS levels compared to the general population. These internal dose signals are repeatedly documented and biologically plausible for long-term chemical accumulation in the body.

Cancers linked to AFFF exposure

PFAS chemicals found in AFFF have been associated in epidemiologic studies with several cancers now central to firefighter litigation. Scientific studies and ongoing litigation recognize the elevated cancer risk training captains face, even when protective gear is used during operations. AFFF is associated with a number of cancers, including:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Male breast cancer
• Thyroid cancer

These cancer risks are recognized by the CDC and NIOSH, which support firefighter registries that track cancers caused by occupational exposures, such as AFFF.

Evidence that strengthens your claim

There are a number of compelling documents that firefighter training captains can present to back up their claims, such as:

• Service records showing role as training captain, dates, stations supervised, and frequency of live-foam drills
• Training logs, lesson plans, and after-action reports listing AFFF usage, quantities, dates, and attendees
• AFFF inventories and purchase orders showing the department procured and stored foam for training
• Photographs, videos, or emails documenting live-foam training or foam storage and cleanup practices
• Environmental or station testing showing PFAS in station dust, soil, or local water
• Medical records confirming diagnosis, pathology, treatment, and complete health history

Recent regulatory bans on PFAS in turnout gear and tightened restrictions on AFFF training strengthen claims by demonstrating that PFAS posed recognized hazards that manufacturers or departments should have warned about sooner.

ELG Law can help training captains pursue AFFF claims

As a firefighter training captain, you may be entitled to compensation if you develop cancer after being exposed to AFFF during training exercises. For more than two decades, Environmental Litigation Group attorneys have represented victims of toxic exposure. Our firm serves on the Plaintiffs Executive Committee for nationwide AFFF litigation and works with attorneys across the country to hold manufacturers accountable. We know the unique exposure pathways firefighter training captains face, so we can build a solid case for your foam handling history. You can discuss your diagnosis and legal options with us for free today.