Understanding PFAS exposure on ships: How seamenare at fisk from AFFF and everyday vessel chemicals

Exposure to toxic chemicals in firefighting foam is widespread in the United States. This public health issue affects not only land-based workers but also maritime workers on vessels who are exposed to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and other industrial products containing "forever chemicals". Seafarers who develop medical conditions related to their chemical exposure may find legal remedies under the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, or the Jones Act. This federal statute allows seamen to get compensation for occupational illness if their employer's negligence has been proven.

How seamen are exposed to PFAS in water vessels

Maritime workers are exposed to various industrial chemicals in their line of work. A group of synthetic chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a great risk because they accumulate in the blood and in the organs over the years, potentially increasing the risk of developing cancer. If you worked as a maritime worker on a vessel in navigation, you may have been exposed to PFAS through the following exposure pathways:

• Use of AFFF in liquid fires and AFFF spills. The cheapest option for transporting fuel is by ship or barge, and many tankers are built to carry fuels, oils, and chemicals. These ships may have firefighting foam systems installed for fire accidents, and using these foams exposes workers to PFAS chemicals. A regulation by the International Maritime Organization's Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment prohibited the use of firefighting foams containing a PFAS type called PFOS starting January 1, 2026. Unfortunately, seafarers who had been exposed to AFFF from the 1960s to 2025 might already be at increased risk of developing cancer.
• Use of lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and other industrial products that contain PFAS. Seafarers may accumulate exposure to PFAS after years of handling industrial products used in marine transportation. These products include lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and other agents used to reduce surface tension and prevent fires.

To be eligible for a Jones Act claim, you must have proof of exposure to PFAS chemicals or AFFF. Proper documentation of exposure as a seafarer can help you establish evidence of your occupational illness. The following medical conditions have been strongly linked to PFAS chemicals:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Liver cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Leukemia
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma

Contact ELG Law to file a Jones Act claim for chemical exposure

Under the Jones Act, owners of vessels and employers of maritime workers are required to provide a reasonably safe environment for their workers. If the employer is found to be negligent in safety and protection, you may be able to file a Jones Act claim for damages caused by your illness. To help you navigate this complicated fault-based system, ELG Law has specialized attorneys who can evaluate your case and check your eligibility. Contact us to get a free case evaluation.