How fire academy drills expose firefighters and instructors to AFFF

For over four decades, trainee firefighters have been taught that aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is the gold standard for suppressing Class B liquid fires. This highly efficient foam forms a film-like blanket over the fuel surface, sealing fuel vapor and blocking the flame's oxygen supply. Companies still struggle to find a fluorine-free alternative that matches AFFF's "rapid knockdown" effect. Because of this, AFFF has been a crucial firefighting foam for ships, offshore oil platforms, and the petrochemical industry. Fire academies with specialized courses in these fields were likely to have trained their firefighters in using AFFF. In academy modules, trainee firefighters learn techniques for using firefighting foam and its various forms, such as 3% or 6% foam concentrates that must be diluted before use.

AFFF exposure for trainee firefighters and fire instructors at fire academies

If you've been trained at an accredited fire academy, you may have encountered AFFF through general training modules and other specialized courses. Trainees pursuing Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications must complete basic fire attack modules, where they learn to respond to Class B fires and the proper techniques to use in each situation. If you've been studying to become a firefighter or you've been teaching at a fire academy, you may have been exposed to AFFF through the following drills and activities:

• Special course on applying foam at tanker fires and emergencies. In this course, trainee firefighters are trained to respond to large tankers carrying gasoline or other fuels. They learn to estimate the amount of foam concentrate required and to apply the foam over the tanker to blanket the flame. In these drills, firefighters and fire instructors are directly exposed to AFFF as it rains down on the area and to the foam concentrate during setup.
• Special course on foam streams and applications. In this course, trainee firefighters learn to assemble the required appliances, which may be contaminated with AFFF even before use. They also learn to introduce the eductor to foam concentrate, adjust the nozzle, and apply foam using the sweep, bank-shot, or rain-down methods. Almost all of these methods require the foam to completely cover the burning site or product, which means a large volume of AFFF is required.

As firefighters complete the academy and advance in rank within their fire departments, their exposure to chemicals in AFFF increases over time. They would continually be exposed to AFFF in refresher courses, specialized training, and community events that use foam. Unfortunately, the "forever chemicals" in AFFF accumulate in the bloodstream and in different organs, potentially affecting the immune system and increasing the risk of developing the following conditions:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Liver cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Thyroid Disease

You may file an AFFF claim as a firefighter or fire instructor

ELG Law has spent over three decades assisting individuals who developed cancer from toxic exposure. If you're a firefighter who encountered AFFF during your service, and you got diagnosed with any of the medical conditions mentioned above, you may qualify for an AFFF claim. Contact ELG Law for a free case evaluation as soon as possible. Our attorneys will check your documents to see if you have proof of exposure (employment records) and proof of diagnosis (medical documents).