Posted on July 08th, 2025
The incidence rates for liver cancer have tripled in the past four decades. Recent scientific studies have found evidence that chemical exposure may be associated with liver cancer, particularly the chemicals found in aqueous film forming foams (AFFF).
Liver cancer is a threatening condition that is currently the sixth most common cancer globally. In the United States alone, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated that over 42,000 new liver cancer cases would be diagnosed in 2025. Alarmingly, the ACS also reported that the incidence rates for liver cancer had tripled since the 1980s.
Some of the more common liver cancer symptoms include unexplained weight loss, nausea, dark urine, loss of appetite, and many more. The condition is strongly associated with hepatitis and pre-existing liver disease. Recently, researchers have found scientific evidence that liver cancer may also be associated with toxic exposure, particularly with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in AFFF that has been used by military firefighters.
AFFF contains chemicals that have been associated with liver cancer
The legacy stocks of AFFF that have been used by military firefighters from the 1970s up to 2002 predominantly contained PFOS, a type of PFAS also known as perfluorooctanesulfonate. In 2022, a study published in JHEP Reports found that exposure to high concentrations of PFOS was associated with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is the most common type of liver cancer. The report linked this association to the hepatotoxic and endocrine-disrupting properties of PFAS chemicals.
Other published studies also support the hepatotoxicity of PFAS. The liver functions as a detox organ. PFAS chemicals can enter the liver by binding to the liver fatty acid binding protein, or L-FABP. Once PFAS chemicals accumulate in the liver, they can interfere with normal liver metabolic functions.
The American Liver Foundation estimates that over 2,000 military veterans are diagnosed with liver cancer every year. If you are an active or retired military firefighter who has been diagnosed with liver cancer, you may be eligible for claims if you have a documented exposure to AFFF while in service. Pursuing compensation can be time-consuming and complex, as you have to establish a connection between your AFFF exposure and your liver cancer diagnosis, but ELG Law can assist you in filing AFFF claims the right way.
For military firefighters: How to file AFFF exposure claims for liver cancer
If you developed liver cancer after being exposed to AFFF as a military firefighter, we urge you to seek legal assistance to explore all your options for recovering compensation. Your options include filing a VA disability claim and an AFFF exposure claim for liver cancer.
ELG Law can handle the filing process on your behalf. To start your AFFF liver cancer claim, we need to evaluate your eligibility through the following documents:
- Military records. We will verify if your service history as a military firefighter is associated with exposure to AFFF.
- Medical documents. We will need to establish a connection between your exposure and your liver cancer diagnosis.
ELG Law can help you with AFFF exposure claims for liver cancer
ELG Law assists military firefighters, active or veteran, who developed liver cancer after AFFF exposure, allowing them to focus on treatment and recovery while our attorneys pursue the maximum compensation possible. Contact us today to get your claim started.
