By Michael Bartlett on January 07th, 2026 in FELA
Railroad workers have handled aqueous film-forming foam in the United States for decades without realizing their health risks. Below are stories about workers who have developed serious health conditions following exposure to PFAS and have filed claims for compensation under FELA.
We have changed the names and identifying information of the individuals to protect their privacy. The stories they share illustrate how important it is to recognize exposure risks and to take legal action as soon as possible
James spent nearly three decades as a firefighter for a major freight railroad company, responding to fuel fires and conducting regular training exercises with AFFF. Each year, he handled the foam dozens of times without proper protective equipment or warnings about its chemical composition.
"We used that foam all the time during training," James recalls. "Nobody told us it was dangerous. We'd spray it, clean it up with our bare hands, and go home in the same clothes."
At age 54, James was diagnosed with kidney cancer. After his doctor asked about chemical exposures at work and James mentioned the firefighting foam, he researched PFAS and learned about the connection to kidney cancer in occupational studies.
"I never connected the foam to my cancer until my doctor brought it up," James says. "Once I learned what was in that stuff and how it accumulates in your body, everything made sense."
James gathered his employment records showing 28 years of service and documentation of his firefighting duties. His medical records confirmed the kidney cancer diagnosis and treatment history. With this evidence, ELG Law helped him file a FELA claim against the railroad company.
"The compensation helped cover my medical bills and made up for the income I lost during treatment," James says.
Robert worked as a rail yard supervisor for 22 years, overseeing operations that included emergency response protocols with AFFF. While he didn't apply the foam himself, he was present during numerous applications and training sessions.
"I supervised the crews that used that foam," Robert says. "I was there every time, standing nearby, breathing it in."
At age 44, Robert was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Some occupational exposures, including PFAS from firefighting foam, have been linked to testicular cancer in research studies, according to his oncologist.
He underwent surgery and chemotherapy. During his recovery, he researched PFAS litigation and learned that railroad workers with his type of exposure history were filing FELA claims. He contacted the Environmental Litigation Group with his employment records and medical documentation.
"The firm walked me through everything," Robert says. "They explained how my supervisory role and presence during foam applications were considered occupational exposure."
During a time of uncertainty, Robert's family was provided with financial security through compensation that covered his medical expenses and lost wages.
"If you worked around that foam and got sick, don't wait," Robert advises. "Get your records together and talk to a lawyer who understands these cases."
Federal Employers' Liability Act compensation is available to railroad workers diagnosed with cancer who worked with AFFF or were exposed to firefighting foam. For over 35 years, the Environmental Litigation Group has represented families in toxic exposure cases. To file your claim, you will need employment records documenting your work history and medical records showing your diagnosis. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and file your FELA claim.