Why AFFF claims for California firefighters are more urgent than ever

Nowadays, while the State of California is implementing stricter rules, medical and scientific evidence continues to show that past exposure is still producing real health consequences, and the opportunity window to act is anything but unlimited.

California's acknowledgment of the PFAS risk matters immensely

In response to Senate Bill 1044, California began the process of eliminating class B firefighting foams containing PFAS. Strong reporting requirements have also been implemented regarding the use, release, and substitution of these foams with fluorine-free materials. Reports include concentrations, amounts, and disposals of PFAS foam to the Office of the State Fire Marshall.

Although such measures are very important for future protection, it is a fact that exposure cannot be reversed, as it has been for decades, due to the large-scale use of PFAS-based foams. Such foams have been extensively utilized in emergency situations and exercises.

The law does not put an end to firefighter exposure

A thoughtful look at the situation shows that passing a law does not automatically end biological exposure, the toxic impact, or the grave burden that follows. PFAS are extremely resistant to degradation. They persist in the human body, stay embedded in gear, and remain in firefighters' work environments long after use has ceased.

Even after PFAS foam is phased out, firefighters may still be exposed through:

• Old PFAS-laden turnout gear
• Contaminated surfaces in fire stations
• Lingering residues from past incidents and trainings
• Protective hoods and other PPE
• Contaminated tools and equipment
• Vehicle interiors
• Laundry contamination

Inconsistent phase-outs leave California firefighters exposed to PFAS-based materials

Senate Bill 1044 established a clear deadline for California's commercial airports: September 13, 2024, by which PFAS-containing foams were to be replaced with fluorine-free alternatives.

In the field, investigations conducted in 2024 revealed that many airports experienced delays in their projects due to supply chain and contractor issues. Although some airports, such as Los Angeles World Airports, successfully implemented the transition at LAX and Van Nuys, others lagged behind.

This context is relevant for a simple reason: exposure did not stop universally, and the danger has not disappeared. Because compliance was so inconsistent, PFAS-containing foams and equipment remain present in many stations across California today, posing a daily, uninterrupted hazard.

Recognition alone does not protect against past exposure: File your AFFF claim

California has already acknowledged the risks of PFAS through legislation, monitoring, and research, and medical data continues to document measurable biological effects. However, exposure will not end simply with the passage of a law. Although preventive legislation in California targets the mitigation of future risks, it does not address the current risks associated with those who served in the past. Firefighters should take advantage of this moment of urgency to claim their rights and document their exposure. By filing an AFFF claim, you can turn this urgency into action, putting contamination exposure on record and safeguarding your rights before legal and medical windows close.