FIREFIGHTING FOAM LAWSUIT WHITEPAPER

About Firefighting Foam Lawsuit
Firefighting foam also called Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is used to fight Class A and Class B fires. It works by cutting off the oxygen in fire and thereby put out the fire faster than traditional water. AFFF’s active ingredient, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS), is found to be possibly toxic to humans.
In March 2018, the U.S. Department of Veterans issued a public health statement warning veterans about their possible exposure to PFAS and how it can negatively affect their health (page last updated, April 2020).
In December 2019, the FDA issued a statement that PFAS contains toxic elements and may lead to health concerns for humans.
In March 2020, the Environmental Working Group posted a study on how PFAS acts similarly to known cancer-causing chemicals.
Firefighting Foam Associated Injuries
There are many types and kinds of PFAS, but some PFAS may cause negative side effects if absorbed including:
- Fertility issues and pregnancy-induced hypertension/preeclampsia
- Increased cholesterol
- Changes in the immune system
- Increased risk of certain cancers
- Changes in fetal and child development
- Liver damage
- Increased risk of thyroid disease
- Increased risk of asthma
Possible cancers developed includes:
- Testicular
- Breast
- Prostate
- Pancreatic
- Kidney
Firefighting Foam Status of Litigation
All federal claims have been transferred to the United States District Court of South Carolina. Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) Products Liability Litigation
MDL No. 2873. There have been no verdicts or known settlements at this time.
Firefighting Foam Manufacturers
There are multiple companies that manufacture AFFF foam and are involved in the current lawsuit. These companies include
- 3M Company
- Buckeye Fire Equipment Company
- Chemguard
- Inc., Chemours Company FC
- Corteva
- Inc. Du Pont De Nemours Inc.
- Dynax Corporation
- Kidde-Fenwal, Inc.
- National Foam, Inc.
- Tyco Fire Products