By Treven Pyles on April 24th, 2025 in PFAS/AFFF
For decades, military and civilian firefighters have been exposed to AFFF. Studies have shown that exposure to this foam is linked to severe medical conditions, including different types of cancers. You may be eligible for compensation if you have been diagnosed with at least one of these conditions. Our toxic exposure attorneys can help you file a claim.
Since the formulation of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), it has been widely used for its effectiveness in extinguishing liquid fires, which mostly happen in military bases and airports that deal with oil, gasoline, and jet fuel. The foam kills fire rapidly, far more effectively than water, because the chemicals prevent fire from reigniting. These chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), achieve this because the carbon-fluorine bonds in PFAS are very stable and do not easily degrade.
Unfortunately, what makes it effective as a fire suppressant also makes it dangerous for people and the environment. The chemicals do not easily break down and can be found in our water systems decades after AFFF has been used.
AFFF exposure has been scientifically linked to severe health conditions and multiple cancers. If you have been diagnosed with any of the conditions below, the Environment Litigation Group can help you file a claim.
In a study published in Environmental Research, the authors reviewed 28 existing studies on PFAS and cancer. They found strong evidence linking PFAS exposure to testicular cancer and kidney cancer, especially the type of PFAS called PFOA. PFAS have also been linked to other types of cancer, like thyroid cancer, and many more.
You may be eligible for an AFFF claim if you have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions after using the firefighting foam for an extended period of time:
For military veterans, some of these cancer types are under the presumptive conditions list of the PACT Act of 2022, which means they do not need to prove that their diagnosis is connected to exposure. They only need to meet the service requirements to be eligible for healthcare access and disability benefits.
While civilian firefighters do not have access to VA claims, firefighters can still file for AFFF claims if they have been diagnosed with any of the conditions listed above. Whether you served in the military or as a civilian firefighter, having legal representation to guide you can make the filing process more manageable, especially if you encounter denials or you have to file appeals.
After getting diagnosed with a medical condition, compensation from AFFF claims is going to be important for medical expenses as you battle your condition. The first step is determining which claims you qualify for and gathering the necessary documents.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) processes VA claims for veterans who were diagnosed with related health conditions after being exposed to AFFF. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
These are the documents that our attorneys need to determine your eligibility for a claim:
If you worked as a civilian firefighter and used AFFF to extinguish liquid fires, you can pursue compensation by filing an AFFF claim. To qualify, our attorneys need the following documents:
After decades of working with toxic exposure victims, we understand how challenging it can be to deal with medical treatment and legal claims at the same time. This is why we provide legal assistance to military personnel and civilian firefighters who were exposed to AFFF.
Our attorneys can handle the filing process so that you can focus on recovery. Get in touch with our AFFF attorneys at the Environment Litigation Group to start the legal process of filing for monetary compensation.