Overview
AFFF firefighting foam has been used since the 1960s on military bases, airports, and by civilian fire departments. It contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — a group of more than 5,000 toxic substances known as “forever chemicals” that accumulate in the body and have been linked to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, and other serious conditions. ELG represents firefighters, veterans, and residents of contaminated communities in claims against the manufacturers.
Who is affected
- Civilian and military firefighters
- Navy and Air Force veterans (especially those at AFFF training sites)
- Airport and industrial fire crew
- Residents of communities with PFAS-contaminated water near military bases
Conditions and diseases
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid disease and thyroid cancer
- Ulcerative colitis
- Pancreatic cancer
- Liver cancer