For many years, firefighters considered Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) the hero of putting out intense liquid fuel fires. It came in handy in so many situations and helped to save the day before the situation got out of control.
Little did they know that this overly acclaimed hero hid a dark secret. The constant exposure to this chemical has left victims with catastrophic consequences.
Luckily, the root cause of the problem has been traced, and many victims have come out to file product liability lawsuits against AFFF manufacturers who failed to warn about the dire consequences. You can click here to learn more about this ongoing legal battle.
Side Effects of AFFF Exposure
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), two key ingredients in AFFF, are classified as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These are “forever chemicals,” which are known to persist in the environment and the human body. Studies have linked exposure to PFAS to a range of health problems, including:
- Several types of cancer (including bladder, prostate, testicular, colon, thyroid, kidney, liver, etc.)
- Ulcerative colitis
- Thyroid disease
- Immune system dysfunction
- Lymphoma
- Birth defects
- Leukemia
- Multiple Myeloma
Who is Most Likely to Be Affected?
Here are the groups of people who are most likely to be affected by AFFF exposure:
- Firefighters
This group is at the top of the list. During their careers, firefighters train with and use AFFF to extinguish fires. The foam itself can get on their skin and clothes during firefighting operations. They can also breathe in the fumes in enclosed spaces. Some of them even inhale and swallow AFFF particles.
- People who live near fire stations or firefighting training grounds
If you live close to a fire station or training facility where AFFF is used, there’s a chance you could be exposed. The chemicals in AFFF can seep into the ground and contaminate nearby water sources, including wells or even public water supplies.
- Military personnel
Military bases also use AFFF to fight fires, so soldiers and airmen stationed at these bases could potentially be exposed.
- People who work at airports
Airports use AFFF to extinguish airplane fires. Workers who handle or maintain firefighting equipment containing AFFF could be at risk.
- Anyone who drinks contaminated water
If the water supply in your area is contaminated with PFOA and PFAS (chemicals from AFFF), you could be exposed by simply drinking the tap water, cooking with it, or using it for other household purposes. This is why some water suppliers are suing AFFF manufacturers.
Companies Being Sued
Here are some of the major AFFF manufacturers being sued:
25 companies have been slammed with product liability lawsuits. Here are some of the major companies on the list:
- DuPont Chemours
- 3M Companies
- Tyco Fire Products
Why You Should Go for Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not about recouping personal losses; they’re about sending a message to the manufacturers of AFFF who chose to engage in such conduct.
Here are a few extra reasons why you should go for punitive damages in an AFFF lawsuit:
Making Them Pay
There’s evidence that AFFF companies knew about the dangers of these chemicals for a long time. Punitive damages are a way to punish them for putting profits ahead of firefighter safety. It’s a way of saying, “This was wrong, and it deserves a big penalty.”
Sending a message
Big fines from lawsuits send a strong message to other companies. They act as a warning: “Don’t put people’s health at risk just to make money.” This can help prevent similar situations in the future.
Safer firefighting
Punitive damages can push companies to invest in creating safer firefighting foams. This means firefighters can protect communities without risking their own health. In the end, it’s about protecting everyone.
Wrapping Up
Firefighters, water suppliers, and residents of homes where AFFF was used are at the forefront of this lawsuit. If you happen to be a victim as well, you have the right to take a stand against these manufacturers who put you in harm’s way.
Seeking punitive damages isn’t about revenge; it’s about achieving justice. It’s about ensuring that the people who put their lives on the line for our safety are not treated with such blatant disregard. It’s about sending a clear message that the health and safety of firefighters cannot be compromised for profit.
Schedule a consultation with a lawyer at your earliest convenience to discuss the details of your situation and the next step forward.
