By Michael Bartlett on April 20th, 2026 in PFAS/AFFF
Rhode Island has joined the growing list of states that aim to eliminate the use of AFFF. Since 2025, the Ocean State has banned the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of AFFF, due to environmental as well as health issues linked to its primary ingredient—PFAS.
Because of its heat- and water-resistant nature, PFAS became the key component in manufacturing AFFF. Described as a highly effective firefighting foam that can put out liquid-based flames quickly, many fire departments, including those in Rhode Island, have been using and relying on AFFF for decades. That stopped in 2024 when the state passed the Consumer PFAS Ban Act.
PFAS exposure has been linked to a range of adverse health effects, with firefighters among the most vulnerable groups. Rhode Island has roughly 6,000 firefighters across 218 stations statewide, with a significant portion concentrated in Providence and Warwick.
The first step in filing claims for past AFFF exposure is determining eligibility. In Rhode Island, qualified claimants typically include civilian or military firefighters with a documented history of prolonged exposure to AFFF before 2025. These include those stationed at airports or who handled AFFF during training exercises.
In order to qualify, firefighters must have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions:
Surviving family members of a firefighter who passed away due to AFFF-linked illnesses can seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Building a strong AFFF exposure claim does not only involve meeting eligibility requirements. To support your case, you need to collect and preserve evidence that connects your AFFF exposure to the disease. These generally include medical and employment records (or service records, for military firefighters).
Aside from eligibility and preserving evidence, firefighters and their families who struggle with illnesses linked to AFFF exposure should also seek the help of legal experts.
If you believe you were exposed to AFFF in Rhode Island, ELG Law is here to walk you through the process and help you understand your options. If you’re unsure where to begin or just have a few questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact our team today to get started.