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