Firefighting Foam AFFF Lawsuit (July Update)

Our Lawyers Are Handling AFFF Lawsuits Nationwide

Attorney Nick Oberheiden
AFFF Lawsuits Team Lead
Team Lead

This is an active lawsuit and none of the allegations against the defendant(s) have been proven. The contents of this page reflect the allegations in the litigation.

Firefighters across the United States are filing lawsuits related to serious medical problems linked to aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). Like many other products developed in the 1960s, AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and these substances are now well-known to cause cancers and other life-altering (if not life-threatening) medical complications.

If you are a firefighter and you have been diagnosed with cancer or any other serious medical problem linked to AFFF firefighting foam (or if a loved one has been diagnosed), you should talk to a personal injury lawyer about your rights promptly. You may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the AFFF that is responsible for your (or your loved one’s) condition. If you have an AFFF firefighting foam claim, you can seek full compensation for your financial and non-financial losses, including your medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering—among many others. If you or a loved one is suffering due to AFFF exposure, we’re here to help. Schedule your free consultation today.

Update for July 18, 2025: AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

Settlement talks appear to be continuing in the ongoing aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) multidistrict litigation (MDL). As we have discussed previously, if a settlement is reached, it is those victims who have filed claims who will be eligible to participate. If you think you may be eligible to participate in an AFFF settlement (if a settlement is reached)—or if you don’t know and want to find out—we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation today.

Previous AFFF Foam Lawsuit Updates

July 11, 2025 – Today is the deadline for the plaintiffs’ expert witness reports in AFFF lawsuits involving thyroid and liver cancer. Expert reports play a key role in this type of litigation, as they provide a scientific link between plaintiffs’ exposure and their diagnoses. The defendants’ expert reports are due next month; and, once both sides’ expert reports are on the table, we should have a clearer picture of what we can expect in terms of a potential settlement and/or a verdict in the first bellwether trial.

July 4, 2025 – The number of lawsuits pending in the aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) litigation has increased to 11,096 as of July 1, 2025. This represents an increase of 705 lawsuits over the course of last month—which is one of the largest increases we’ve seen in a long time. This substantial increase in filings likely reflects the anticipation that the AFFF multidistrict litigation (MDL) will settle, as plaintiffs (and their lawyers) want to get their cases in before any settlement is reached so that they can participate in the settlement if desired.

June 27, 2025 – According to Bloomberg Law, the judge presiding over the AFFF multi-district litigation (MDL) is urging the parties to settle before this October’s bellwether trial. We’ve heard rumblings of settlement discussions already, and the judge’s admonition certainly seems to suggest that there has been at least some progress toward settlement at this stage. Will we see a settlement in the next few months? At this point, it’s too early to say. But, we’ll keep you posted—and, if you are still trying to decide whether to file an AFFF lawsuit, now is a good time to speak with a lawyer about joining the MDL.

June 20, 2025 – With the first bellwether trial in the AFFF multidistrict litigation (MDL) scheduled for this October—just four months away—efforts to prepare for the bellwether trial are now in full swing. At the same time, lawsuits are continuing to get filed.

Our lawyers are continuing to evaluate potential cases; and, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition that has been linked to AFFF exposure, we encourage you to contact us to find out if you should join the litigation before the first bellwether trial takes place. In many (but not all) cases, bellwether trials will spur settlement negotiations. If you file a lawsuit before the MDL settles (if it settles) you will have the opportunity to decide whether you want to participate in the settlement or continue fighting for your rights in court.

June 13, 2025 – With more than 10,000 lawsuits now pending in the aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) multidistrict litigation (MDL), interest in the MDL remains high. There is an important hearing (known as a “Science Day” scheduled for next Friday, and this hearing should provide some additional insight into what plaintiffs (and potential plaintiffs) can expect in the runup to the first bellwether trial later this year.

If you have questions about filing an AFFF lawsuit, now is a good time to speak with an attorney. To find out if you are eligible to seek financial compensation, contact Oberheiden P.C. for a free consultation today.

June 6, 2025 – There are now a total of 10,391 lawsuits pending in the ongoing AFFF multidistrict litigation (MDL). This represents a massive increase of 1,049 filings during the month of May. With talk of a potential settlement and the first bellwether trial now less than six months away, we expect to see a lot of interest in the AFFF MDL over the next few months.

Do you have an AFFF lawsuit? If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, liver cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, thyroid disease, or ulcerative colitis after being exposed to AFFF, the answer could be “Yes.” Contact us today to learn more.

May 30, 2025 – A company in the U.K. has developed a process for safely disposing of AFFF according to the International Fire & Safety Journal (IFSJ). As the IFSJ reports, the company’s process involves thermal treatment at extreme heat (1,100 degrees Celsius), and it is supposed to have a “treatment efficiency of 99.999% for AFFF and other PFAS-containing wastes.” While this is potentially good news going forward, unfortunately, it does nothing for those who have already been exposed to AFFF. For these individuals, talking to a lawyer is a key first step toward seeking the financial compensation they deserve.

May 23, 2025 – The Maine Morning Star is reporting that bills introduced to address the massive AFFF spill at Brunswick Executive Airport last year have received “sweeping support” in the state’s legislature. We still don’t know the full extent of the spill’s impacts, and we may not know for a long time. In the meantime, the nationwide AFFF litigation is continuing to move forward, and we invite you to contact us if you have questions about your legal rights.

May 16, 2025 – The first bellwether trial in the AFFF multi-district litigation (MDL) will focus specifically on claims involving kidney cancer. Kidney cancer is just one of multiple types of cancer that has been linked to AFFF exposure. While there are some noteworthy differences between claims involving kidney cancer and claims involving other types of cancer, ultimately, all of the claims in the MDL rest on the same fundamental theory that the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in AFFF can cause (and have caused) serious harm. As a result, the outcome of the first bellwether trial will almost certainly have important impacts for all of the plaintiffs involved in the MDL.

May 9, 2025 – Here is a recent article that discusses the ongoing AFFF lawsuits against 3M and other companies. As the article explains, “[t]housands of firefighters around the country are suing 3M and other manufactures of firefighting foam and gear saying their exposure to PFAS allegedly caused cancer and other issues. . . . The lawsuits claim the manufacturers knew about the highly toxic forever chemicals in the foam and in firefighter turnout gear, but continued to produce and sell them anyway.”

In other news, the Oregon legislature has reportedly passed a bill that seeks to ban the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS in the state. As Environment Oregon reports, “[t]here are safer alternatives to PFAS foam on the market, and fifteen states, the U.S. Military and the European Union are already moving away from using PFAS firefighting foam completely.”

May 2, 2025 – More than 400 new plaintiffs joined the AFFF litigation in April, bringing the total number of pending lawsuits to 9,342. Settlement negotiations are underway, and some law firms have reportedly stopped accepting new cases, anticipating that we will see a settlement in the near future.

Our firm has not stopped accepting new cases; and, if you have questions about filing an AFFF lawsuit, we invite you to get in touch. Contact us for a free consultation at Oberheiden P.C. today.

April 25, 2025 – An airport in Maine recently removed nearly 1,000 gallons of AFFF from one of its hangars. The removal follows a spill at the airport in 2023, when more than 1,000 gallons of AFFF were released into the water.

While these types of remedial efforts are important, they do not help those who are already suffering with the consequences of AFFF exposure. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with complications from AFFF exposure, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact us to discuss your AFFF lawsuit today.

April 18, 2025 – The judge presiding over the AFFF multi-district litigation (MDL) has scheduled a “Science Day” for June 20, 2025. This is when both sides get to present their scientific evidence to the judge in advance of trial. While Science Days can help identify potential issues and set the stage for trial, they can also help set the stage for settlement in many cases.

With settlement discussions taking place already—and with the science clearing supporting a link between AFFF exposure and several types of serious health conditions—we believe there is a good chance that we will see a settlement before the first AFFF trial date arrives. Thinking about filing? Now is the time to act. Contact us to learn how a settlement could affect your case.

April 11, 2025 – The City of Fayetteville, North Carolina has joined the nationwide litigation against aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) manufacturers. Along with the thousands of individual plaintiffs who are suing to recover their losses, numerous municipalities are also suing to recover their costs from testing and remediation.

All of these lawsuits put more pressure on AFFF manufacturers to settle. Will we see a settlement—and, if so when? At this point it is too early to tell. With that said, we believe that a global settlement is a very real possibility, and plaintiffs who take action now will help maximize their chances of recovering just compensation.

April 4, 2025 – The AFFF multi-district litigation (MDL) added nearly 500 cases in March, bringing the total number of pending AFFF lawsuits to nearly 9,000. This is currently one of the fastest-growing mass tort cases in the country, and we expect the number of cases in the AFFF firefighting foam litigation to continue increasing throughout 2025.

Do you have an AFFF lawsuit? Contact us to find out for free.

March 28, 2025 – As we discussed last week, we are currently accepting AFFF cases involving cancers and other serious health conditions. The first bellwether trials in the AFFF litigation—which are scheduled for later this year—will involve claims for kidney cancer and testicular cancer. These should be good test cases that will provide valuable insight into how other cases are likely to proceed.

In many cases, bellwether trials in this type of litigation spur settlement negotiations—if the trials go in the plaintiffs’ favor. As a result, this will be an important year for AFFF lawsuits. If you think you may have grounds to file an AFFF lawsuit (or don’t know and want to find out), we invite you to contact us for a free consultation today.

March 21, 2025 – Who can file an AFFF lawsuit? At Oberheiden P.C., we are currently accepting cases involving firefighters and others who have been diagnosed with kidney cancer, liver and thyroid cancer, testicular cancer, and other serious health conditions linked to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). We are also representing families in cases involving wrongful deaths linked to AFFF exposure. If you have questions about your legal rights, our lawyers are available to provide a free consultation so that you can make informed decisions about your next steps.

March 14, 2025 – This resource from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) discusses some of the risks associated with AFFF. As the FAA explains:

“Many organizations worldwide mandate the use of firefighting foam that contains PFAS, known as Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). However, per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), certain PFAS can cause serious health problems, including cancer, if people are exposed to them over a long period of time, and they can also be harmful to aquatic and terrestrial organisms.”

Based on these findings, the FAA is currently in the process of transitioning away from AFFF. These findings are also the basis for the thousands of AFFF lawsuits currently pending across the country. If you or a loved one has received a diagnosis related to AFFF exposure, we strongly encourage you to contact us for a free consultation.

March 7, 2025 – At the beginning of March there were 8,430 lawsuits pending in the AFFF multidistrict litigation (MDL). This represents a substantial increase from the beginning of February, with 338 new lawsuits filed during the month.

According to recent news reports, a new technology has achieved “over 99.9999% PFAS destruction” in water contaminated with AFFF. While this could be a promising development going forward, it unfortunately does nothing for those who are already suffering due to the consequences of AFFF exposure.

February 28, 2025 – This recent article provides some additional insight into 3M’s alleged failure to disclose known risks associated with aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) that we discussed a few weeks ago. 3M is one of several companies that are facing thousands of pending AFFF lawsuits across the country.

In other AFFF-related news, legislators in Maine have proposed several bills aiming to remove AFFF stores from the state. The legislative effort follows last year’s AFFF spill at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station, and seeks to address “fear it will happen again.”

February 21, 2025 – A recent publication from the Naval Safety Command, titled Out with AFFF, discusses some of the health risks linked to aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) as well as some of the firefighting alternatives that are available. The publication notes that, “current scientific research suggests that exposure to certain PFAS [which are found in AFFF] may lead to adverse health outcomes,” and, “research is still ongoing to determine how different levels of exposure to different PFAS can lead to a variety of health effects.”

February 14, 2025 – Santa Clara County, California has sued 3M, DuPont, and other AFFF manufacturers alleging that the discharge of these companies’ aqueous film-forming foam is, “contribut[ing] to a serious environmental and public health crisis.” The lawsuit also alleges that the companies’ AFFF has caused, “pollution of natural resources . . . including municipal drinking water supplies, as well as municipal groundwater, reservoirs and other surface waters, stormwater, wastewater, soils, and other properties and equipment.”

As we have discussed previously, AFFF has been linked to several health risks, and firefighters and families across the country are actively pursuing AFFF lawsuits against 3M, DuPont, and other companies. Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with complications from AFFF exposure? If so, contact us for a free consultation today.

February 7, 2025 – At the start of February there were more than 8,000 lawsuits pending in the ongoing AFFF MDL. This means that more than 450 new plaintiffs joined the litigation—a substantial increase over the number of new filings in December. As awareness of the AFFF litigation (and firefighters’ and their families’ legal rights) continues to grow, we expect the number of lawsuits filed in the MDL to continue to grow as well.

January 31, 2025 – From New York to Ohio to Arizona, we are continuing to see new AFFF lawsuits get filed. Last week, The Guardian published a report that alleges:

“The multibillion-dollar chemicals company 3M told customers its firefighting foams were harmless and biodegradable when it knew they contained toxic substances so persistent they are now known as ‘forever chemicals’ and banned in many countries including the UK, newly uncovered documents show.”

The report goes on to make several specific allegations against 3M, citing information obtained by Watershed Investigations. If these allegations are true, they would further strengthen plaintiffs’ claims for liability in the ongoing AFFF multi-district litigation (MDL).

January 24, 2025 – A recent study conducted by the University of Buffalo with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) examined the effects of the “forever chemicals” in AFFF on the human brain. As the study’s authors note, these toxic chemicals—collectively referred to as PFAS—“can have very different effects on cells” in the brain; and, as a result, “[w]e should not be viewing them as one large class of compounds, but really as compounds that we need to investigate individually.”

As more information about the health risks linked to AFFF exposure come to light, we are continuing to see more AFFF lawsuits get filed. Do you have an AFFF lawsuit? Contact us to find out for free.

January 17, 2025 – Many of the pending AFFF lawsuits seek just compensation for exposure that occurred decades ago. Since these lawsuits are subject to a statute of limitations that is no more than a few years in most cases, how is this the case?

Generally speaking, with this type of lawsuit, the statute of limitations runs from the date that a plaintiff learned (or reasonably should have learned) that he or she has a claim. Since many people are just receiving diagnoses for their AFFF exposure, the statutes of limitations for their claims are just starting to run.

January 10, 2025 – At the start of January there were 7,633 cases pending in the ongoing AFFF multi-district litigation (MDL). This represents an increase of nearly 300 cases—or nearly 10 per day—over the past month. This litigation is poised to become very big, and there are almost certainly far more potential plaintiffs who haven’t yet come forward.

January 3, 2025 – A recent article in the South Carolina Daily Gazette discusses the history of AFFF—including some notable details for firefighters and families who are thinking about asserting their legal rights. For example, according to the article, “[m]anufacturers marketed AFFF to fire departments as being ‘safe as dish soap,’ so firefighters took few precautions handling the concentrate or the foam created when concentrate was mixed with high volumes of water.”

Scientists have established a strong link between AFFF exposure and a variety of serious health conditions, including cancers. If you have questions about filing an AFFF lawsuit in 2025, we invite you to contact us today.

December 27, 2024 – As we head into the new year, more than 7,000 firefighters, family members, and other plaintiffs have lawsuits pending against AFFF manufacturers. These lawsuits allege that AFFF manufactured with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) presents serious health risks—including risks for various forms of cancer.

If you have questions about filing an AFFF lawsuit in 2025, we invite you to get in touch. One of our attorneys will provide a free, no-obligation assessment of your legal rights; and, if you have grounds to file a lawsuit, we will fight to recover just compensation on your behalf.

December 20, 2024 – Most of the current news regarding AFFF continues to revolve around the recent spill in Maine. This week, Environmental Health News published an article titled, Maine’s Slow Response to PFAS-Laden Firefighting Foam Puts Communities at Risk, while the Portland Press Herald published an article discussing similar concerns that was titled, Foam Spill Raises Concerns About Maine Firefighters’ Long-Term PFAS Exposure.

But PFAS exposure through AFFF remains a concern for firefighters (and potentially others) across the country. We are continuing to see new lawsuits filed nationwide, and we are continuing to speak with potential plaintiffs during the holiday season. To find out if you have a claim, schedule a free consultation today.

December 13, 2024 – A recent article in the Maine Morningstar discusses the history of AFFF as a tool for fighting fires in the Pine Tree State and other states around the country. Notably, as the news outlet reports, “Fire departments throughout Maine and around the country did not confine foam use to live fires and trainings. Upon request, they would periodically spread foam in parks or other settings so that children could frolic in it.”

While this was intended as a fun way to engage with the community, the use of firefighting foam and subsequently playing in it could sadly turn out to have serious health consequences. As the Maine Morningstar goes on to report, “Cancer has become the leading cause of death among active firefighters. North America’s largest union of first responders . . . reports that in 2023 occupational cancer accounted for 72% of the line-of-duty deaths among its U.S. members.” The severe health risks associated with PFAS in AFFF are well-known, and they are the basis for lawsuits pending against AFFF manufacturers across the country.

December 6, 2024 – At the start of December, there were just under 7,400 lawsuits pending in the AFFF multi-district litigation (MDL). Now that the holidays are just weeks away, we don’t expect to see too many more plaintiffs coming forward.

With that said, if you are thinking about coming forward, now is a good time. We can schedule a time for you to speak with one of our lawyers one-on-one, and you can use this as an opportunity to make an informed decision about whether to file an AFFF lawsuit.

November 22, 2024 – We recently saw a substantial drop in the number of pending AFFF lawsuits. Why is this the case, and what does this mean for you?

The sudden dismissal of several AFFF cases is a result of the water contamination settlement that we reported on previously. It does not have anything to do with the merits of AFFF cases in general (in fact, it reflects the settlement of successful cases). As a result, if you have questions about filing an AFFF lawsuit, now is still a very good time to speak with a lawyer about your legal rights.

November 15, 2024 – The first Tier 2 Group A bellwether trial in the AFFF multi-district litigation has been scheduled for October 6, 2025. Tier 2 includes the more-serious diseases associated with AFFF, while Group A is simply a subgroup of cases (along with Group B) selected for scheduling purposes.

Of course, next October is still a long way away, so what can we expect in the meantime? Discovery remains ongoing in the District of South Carolina; and, until that process is complete, neither party will have all of the information it needs to start making strategic decisions about settlement. Could we see a settlement after discovery and before the October 6, 2025 bellwether trial date? It is certainly possible, but only time will tell.

November 8, 2024 – The judge presiding over the AFFF multi-district litigation (MDL) recently issued a Case Management Order (CMO #31) that establishes new requirements for most plaintiffs in the litigation. These requirements pertain to Plaintiff Profile Forms (PPFs), which supplement the information submitted on Plaintiff Fact Sheets (PFSs) previously.

Notably, these new requirements do not apply to claims involving turnout gear. Instead of filing a PPF, plaintiffs who have turnout gear-related claims must file a Turnout Gear Fact Sheet. While all of the various requirements can get pretty confusing, our lawyers can file all of the forms that you need to file in order to recover the financial compensation you deserve.

November 1, 2024 – There are currently just under 9,900 lawsuits pending in the longstanding aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) litigation. This represents a significant increase—more than 10 lawsuits per day—from the end of September. With the announcement of the $625 million AFFF settlement we discussed last week, we expect many more plaintiffs to come forward this month as well. Will you be one of them?

October 25, 2024 – In one of the most significant AFFF litigation updates to date, Carrier Global Corp., the parent company of Kidde-Fenwal, has agreed to $615 million in settlements to be paid out to AFFF plaintiffs over the next five years. Equally important, as Carrier Global made clear in its SEC filing announcing the settlements, “[n]on-settling parties may still assert direct AFFF-related claims.” As a result, while the $615 million settlement fund is big news, it is also likely a sign of much more to come.

October 18, 2024 – We are starting to see some progress in the AFFF lawsuits that are currently pending. In the ongoing multi-district litigation (MDL), the first of the bellwether trials is scheduled for next October, and the deadline for completing most discovery will come in December of this year. This provides a roughly eight-month timeframe during which the parties will not only be able to prepare for trial, but also give serious consideration to settlement.

What’s the issue with aqueous film forming foam (AFFF)? If you or a loved one has been exposed to AFFF, you should be able to find everything you need to know on this page. But, if you are interested in a more scientific discussion of the cancer risks associated with AFFF, this article available from the National Library of Medicine provides useful information as well.

October 11, 2024 – The number of AFFF lawsuits is continuing to rise. As awareness continues to grow—largely as a result of firefighters and their families coming forward—this is empowering more people with the information they need to take legal action and seek the financial compensation they deserve. If you have questions about your legal rights, our lawyers are here to help, and we can arrange for you to speak with a lawyer in confidence as soon as possible.

October 4, 2024 – At the start of October, there are approximately 10,000 AFFF lawsuits pending across the United States. While the lawsuits filed to date have generally been filed against AFFF manufacturers, firefighters and their families could also have other types of claims in some cases.

For example, last week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent a letter to the U.S. Navy stating that it “retains the ultimate responsibility” for the recent AFFF spill in Maine. While this letter spoke specifically to the U.S. Navy’s clean-up responsibilities, it perhaps suggests that some firefights and families may be able to pursue claims against the government as well. We have seen these types of lawsuits in other types of cases, including the toxic water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

September 27, 2024 – More lawsuits involving cancer caused by aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) were filed over the past week, including lawsuits involving kidney cancer and thyroid cancer. The risks involved with AFFF exposure are substantial; and, as the AFFF lawsuits filed to date demonstrate, they range widely. This resource from the State of Washington’s Department of Ecology provides a nice overview of these risks as well as an explanation of why AFFF exposure is a concern not only for firefighters, but for many other people as well.

September 20, 2024 – More AFFF lawsuits are being filed weekly. As we have discussed in previous updates, as general knowledge of the serious health risks linked to AFFF exposure continue to grow, more firefighters and families are coming forward to tell their stories. If you have a story to tell, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Will you be the next person to seek just compensation for the harmful effects of AFFF exposure? Contact us for a free consultation about your legal rights today.

September 13, 2024 – There were some updates in the ongoing AFFF litigation this week. For example, the first of the municipal Telomer water provider cases is now scheduled for federal court trial in March 2025. In the private AFFF litigation, the United States District Court issued an order focused on ensuring that both parties have the opportunity to adequately depose witnesses before trial—if the litigation doesn’t settle beforehand.

While these cases continue to make their way through the court system, more AFFF lawsuits are getting filed each week. Again, if you have an AFFF lawsuit (or think that you might have an AFFF lawsuit), now is the time to take action. For a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us today.

September 6, 2024 – As of the start of September, there are more than 9,500 AFFF lawsuits pending across the country. This means that more than 500 new lawsuits were filed in August 2024 alone. Now that the summer break is over, we expect the AFFF litigation to pick up steam, and we expect the total number of lawsuits to continue to climb. If you think you may have an AFFF lawsuit, the time to take action is now.

August 30, 2024 – While many firefighters and families are pursuing AFFF lawsuits across the country, these aren’t the only plaintiffs pursuing AFFF litigation. Many governmental entities have filed AFFF claims as well. Recently, Tyco Fire Products, one of many AFFF manufacturers, reached a $750 million settlement with its insurance company related to ongoing governmental litigation. While this isn’t necessarily indicative of how individual plaintiffs’ lawsuits will go, the more settlements we see, the more likely it becomes that other cases will settle as well.

Speaking of settlements, we have recently seen several AFFF lawsuits being voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiffs involved. Most often, this means that the plaintiffs have settled. Are you entitled to an AFFF settlement? Contact us for a free consultation today.

August 23, 2024 – Earlier this week, 1,600 gallons of AFFF were reportedly spilled into the environment when a fire suppression system malfunctioned at the former Brunswick Naval Air Base in Maine. As Maine Public Radio explains, “The foam was discharged in a hangar at what’s now the Brunswick Executive Airport before entering the sewer and storm water systems. The firefighting foam, AFFF, contains PFAS chemicals that smother jet fuel fires.”

While accident cleanup efforts are currently underway, Maine Public Radio quotes a professor of environmental studies at a local university as stating, “the bigger concern is not the immediate cleanup, but the fact that this is going to add to the already not insignificant amount of PFAS and other dangerous chemicals that are in the soils and the waters.”

August 16, 2024 – Recent updates indicate that more AFFF claims are continuing to settle quietly behind the scenes. This is usually about the time that we start to get questions about average settlement figures in these types of cases. Since the foam settlements presumably reached to date would be confidential, there are no average settlement figures available.

But, the more important thing to know is that this doesn’t matter. Since firefighters and families are pursuing their cases instead of in an AFFF class action, every plaintiff’s settlement is unique to their individual circumstances—and AFFF exposure can have a wide range of effects. If you are wondering how much can be recovered in AFFF personal injury cases, you will need to speak with a lawyer one-on-one about your rights. Our lawyers are more than happy to explain everything you want to know about AFFF exposure and how personal injury claims differ from class action settlements in this litigation.

August 9, 2024 – As we reported last week, the federal government is looking into some of the health risks associated with AFFF. Now, states are starting to get in on the action—including Alaska, which will ban PFAS-containing AFFF starting in 2025. States are looking into other ways to protect firefighters from the effects of harmful PFAS chemicals as well. For example, in Massachusetts, legislators recently introduced a bill that would ban PFAS chemicals in firefighters’ jackets, pants, and other protective equipment.

In July, approximately 300 firefighters, fire departments, and families joined the pending AFFF-related multi-district litigation (MDL). The AFFF firefighting foam MDL brings the total number of claims to more than 9,500. If you have questions about filing a complaint and seeking a settlement in the MDL, contact us for a free case review today.

August 2, 2024 – Several plaintiffs have recently filed motions to voluntarily dismiss their AFFF lawsuits. While there are a number of possible explanations for these voluntary dismissals, one of the most likely explanations is that these plaintiffs have negotiated settlements with the defendants. Overall, however, lawsuits are still moving forward, with nine cases selected for bellwether trials.

In other news, the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a transportation spending bill that allocates $70 million to help airports transition away from PFAS contamination in AFFF. While this is (hopefully) good news for airport firefighters, this effort only addresses a small part of the problem. Unfortunately, firefighters around the country continue to face serious health issues, and this means that the number of lawsuits will continue to grow in the years to come.

Understanding the Serious Health Risks Linked to AFFF Firefighting Foam Exposure

Aqueous film forming firefighting foams (AFFF) have been used to fight fires in the United States since the mid-1960s. While AFFF is effective in suppressing fires and allowing firefighters to gain control of dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations, AFFF can present its own life-threatening risks as well.

This is due to the chemical composition of AFFF foam. As noted above, AFFF is manufactured using per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). As the Yale School of Public Health explains:

“No level of PFAS in the body is considered safe, and they have been linked to a litany of health problems, including cancers. In November [of 2023], the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a common PFAS, as carcinogenic to humans and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), another common PFAS, as possibly carcinogenic to humans.”

Despite the risks associated with toxic PFAS chemicals (which the EPA and other authorities are continuing to study), manufacturers have continued to use these “forever chemicals” in a variety of products, including AFFF firefighting foam and firefighting gear. As a result, decades of firefighters and military personnel have been exposed to this toxic firefighting foam, presenting risks of cancer and other serious health risks on the job; and, unfortunately, far too many have faced life-altering or life-threatening consequences as a result of devoting their careers to public service. Cancers and other health problems that have been linked to AFFF exposure include (but are not limited to):

Bladder Cancer

The bladder plays an essential role in discharging harmful chemicals from the body through urination. Unfortunately, this means that the bladder itself is negatively impacted by these harmful chemicals in many cases. As a result, bladder cancer is a well-known risk associated with PFAS exposure, including firefighters’ exposure to PFAS contained in AFFF.

Breast Cancer

According to data from the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), breast cancer is by far the most common form of cancer among female firefighters—at 27.8 percent. Male firefighters can develop breast cancer as well. Breast cancer in both males and females has been linked to PFAS chemicals in numerous types of products, including AFFF.

Colorectal Cancer

Similar to the bladder, the colon and rectum can become cancerous due to PFAS exposure during the processing and discharge of inhaled or consumed AFFF. As a result, many firefighters have reportedly developed colorectal cancer during or after their careers, and those that have can (and should) talk to a lawyer about filing an AFFF lawsuit.

Infertility

Infertility is a concern for both male and female firefighters exposed to AFFF on the job. Exposure to PFAS has been shown to cause hormone imbalances and reproductive issues in multiple studies, meaning that firefighters may be unable to have children as a result of using aqueous film forming firefighting foam during their careers.

Kidney Cancer

The kidneys play a critical role in overall health by removing harmful substances from the blood. However, this means that the kidneys themselves are often exposed to these harmful chemicals, and they can become cancerous as a result. Since PFAS travel through the bloodstream, kidney cancer can be a very real concern for firefighters who have been exposed to AFFF on the job.

Leukemia and Lymphoma

Leukemia and lymphoma are common types of cancer that can have a variety of reported causes—including PFAS exposure through exposure to AFFF. While the symptoms of leukemia and lymphoma can often be managed (similar to other cancers), these are serious health conditions that can substantially reduce firefighters’ and others’ life expectancy and diminish their quality of life.

Liver Cancer

Studies have found that exposure to PFAS, “may increase [the] risk of fatty liver and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via impacts on hepatic lipid, amino acid, and glucose metabolism.” As a result, liver cancer is yet another serious health risk that firefighters face when they use AFFF on the job.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is another concern for male firefighters who have used AFFF. Studies have also found a strong link between prostate cancer and PFAS exposure, with repeated or prolonged exposure increasing the risk of developing cancerous tumors. Even though prostate cancer becomes more of a concern as men age, cases of prostate cancer linked to AFFF can still provide strong grounds for firefighters and their families to seek just compensation.

Skin Cancer

Exposure to AFFF can also result in skin cancer diagnoses. If you have used aqueous film forming foam and subsequently developed skin cancer, you may have grounds to file a claim. Our lawyers can explain everything you need to know; and, if you have a case, we can fight to recover just compensation on your behalf.

Testicular Cancer

Studies have shown that male firefighters develop testicular cancer at a higher rate than the general U.S. population. This may be due to firefighters’ repeated and prolonged exposure to PFAS chemicals in AFFF. According to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), testicular cancer is the fifth-most common type of cancer diagnosis for firefighters, following prostate cancer, skin cancer, colon cancer, and bladder cancer.

Thyroid Cancer

The thyroid is a small gland located in the lower neck. It is responsible for managing the body’s hormones—which can be negatively impacted by PFAS. As a result, thyroid cancer is another significant concern for firefighters who use AFFF (or who have used AFFF in the past).

Ulcerative Colitis

Studies have also found a link between PFAS and ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine, colon, and rectum. It is a risk for both male and female firefighters who have used AFFF; and, while there are treatment options available, ulcerative colitis currently has no known cure.

Dr. Nick Oberheiden

Founder

Attorney-at-Law

Lynette S. Byrd

Former DOJ Trial Attorney

Partner

Brian J. Kuester

Former U.S. Attorney

Hon. Kevin McCarthy

55th Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives (ret.)

Government Consultant

Mike Pompeo

Of Counsel

Former U.S. Secretary of State

John W. Sellers

Former Senior DOJ Trial Attorney

Linda Julin McNamara

Federal Appeals Attorney

Jennifer W. Corinis

Litigation Counsel

Roger Bach

Former Special Agent (DOJ)

Chris J. Quick

Former Special Agent (FBI & IRS-CI)

Michael S. Koslow

Former Supervisory Special Agent (DOD-OIG)

Ray Yuen

Former Supervisory Special Agent (FBI)

AFFF Cases Where Manufacturers May Be Liable for Firefighters’ and Families’ Financial and Non-Financial Losses

Several companies currently manufacture aqueous film forming firefighting foam or have manufactured AFFF in the past. All of these companies can potentially be held liable for firefighters’ and their families’ financial and non-financial losses in AFFF claims.

When a product is inherently dangerous, it is considered “defective” under the law. When companies manufacture and sell defective products, they can be held “strictly liable” for the harm their products cause. This means that proof of negligence is not required. If a product is inherently dangerous, then simply manufacturing or selling the product makes a company liable. As a result, even if a manufacturer wasn’t aware of the serious risks associated with PFAS when it started manufacturing and selling AFFF, it can still be held fully responsible for firefighters’ and their families’ losses if it can be shown that the manufacturer’s AFFF is “defective” under the law.

Companies that may be liable include (but are not limited to):

3M Company
AGC Chemicals Americas, Inc.
Arkema USA
BASF Corporation
ChemDesign Products, Inc.
Clariant Corporation
Corteva, Inc.
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
Dynax Corporation
Kidde-Fenwal, Inc.
The Chemours Company
UTC Fire & Security Americas Corporation

While proof of negligence is not required to file a defect-based AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit, there is evidence to suggest that many of these companies have been negligent in selling PFAS-containing aqueous film forming foam. The National Cancer Institute first classified PFAS as a possible human carcinogen in 2014. However, many researchers and medical experts had concerns about the risks associated with PFAS well before this time.

If companies ignored the serious health risks associated with using PFAS to manufacture AFFF, this may provide additional grounds for firefighters and their families to seek just compensation. It potentially provides firefighters and their families with grounds to seek punitive damages as well. While the legal standards for seeking punitive damages vary between jurisdictions, companies can generally be punished when they knowingly prioritize their profits over the public’s safety.

Nearly 10,000 AFFF Firefighting Lawsuits Have Been Filed — Should You Join?

To date, more than 9,000 firefighters and families have filed AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits. Should you join the litigation against 3M, BASF, DuPont, and other AFFF manufacturers? If you can answer “Yes” to each of the following questions, you may have an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit:

Question #1: Are You (or Were You) or Your Loved One a Firefighter?

AFFF is used specifically as a tool for fighting fires. As a result, the opportunity to file a case is generally limited to firefighters and their families. Since AFFF has been in use since the mid-1960s, generations of firefighters and their families may be eligible to file a foam lawsuit to seek just compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and other financial and non-financial losses.

Question #2: Were You (or was Your Loved One) Exposed to AFFF on the Job?

To have a lawsuit, firefighters must have been exposed to AFFF on the job. Due to its ubiquity, most firefighters will have been exposed to firefighting foam at some point during their career. A firefighter (or the firefighter’s family) does not need to have sprayed AFFF themselves. Simply being exposed to AFFF on the job can be enough to establish a claim for just compensation.

Question #3: Have You (or Your Loved One) Been Diagnosed with an AFFF Cancer or other Medical Condition Linked to AFFF?

Filing AFFF lawsuits requires evidence of a medical condition linked to AFFF exposure. If you were exposed to AFFF on the job but did not suffer any adverse consequences as a result of your exposure, then you generally would not have a claim. On the other hand, if you have been diagnosed with cancer or any other serious condition linked to AFFF (or if a loved one has been diagnosed), you may be entitled to file a claim for a significant financial recovery.

If your answer to each of these questions is “Yes” (or even if some of your answers are “I’m not sure”), we strongly encourage you to contact us right away. Our AFFF firefighting foam lawyers can provide a comprehensive and personalized assessment of your legal rights; and, if you have a lawsuit, we can take action to seek the financial compensation you and your family deserve.

What Firefighters and Families Should Know

If you have an AFFF claim, what do you need to learn about seeking the financial compensation you and your loved ones deserve? Here are five key facts for firefighters and their families:

**Key Fact #1: Filing an AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Does Not Involve Suing Your (or Your Loved One’s) Department**

The first thing to know is that filing AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits does not involve suing your (or your loved one’s) department. This litigation is against AFFF manufacturers like 3M, BASF, and DuPont, brought by civilian and military firefighters who were exposed to PFAS on the job.

Key Fact #2: You Can Hire an AFFF Firefighting Foam Attorney to Handle Your AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit at No Out-of-Pocket Cost

If you have a pending case, you can hire an AFFF firefighting foam lawyer to handle your claim at no out-of-pocket cost. At Oberheiden P.C., we are handling all of our clients’ AFFF firefighter foam cases on a contingency-fee basis. Among other things, this means:

Your initial consultation is 100% free and confidential
You do not have to pay a retainer fee
You will never receive a monthly legal bill

Our fees, if any, will be calculated as a percentage of the financial compensation we are able to help you recover. We will fully disclose our contingency fees to you before you decide whether to move forward. If your claim is unsuccessful for any reason, you will owe nothing.

Key Fact #3: You May Be Entitled to Recover More Than You Think

One of the most important reasons to talk to an experienced injury lawyer about filing AFFF lawsuits is that you might be entitled to recover more than you think. If you have a case, you can seek just compensation for your:

Out-of-pocket costs (including medical bills and prescription costs, among many others)
Loss of income (or loss of inheritance in AFFF cases of wrongful death)
Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and other forms of non-financial loss

This includes losses you have incurred to date, losses you incur while your action is pending, and losses you will incur in the future due to complications from AFFF exposure. The effects of AFFF exposure can last for decades; and, in many cases, they can cause firefighters and their loved ones to incur financial and non-financial costs for the rest of their lives.

**Key Fact #4: It is Extremely Important to Ensure that You Are Making Informed Decisions**

Given what you may have at stake, it is extremely important to ensure that you are making informed decisions. This involves working with an experienced attorney who can explain everything you need to know and provide custom-tailored legal advice based on your specific circumstances. Again, hiring a lawyer costs nothing out-of-pocket, and it is strongly in your best interests to meet with a lawyer over the phone promptly.

Key Fact #5: Time is of the Essence in Some Cases

If you have known about your diagnosis (or your loved one’s diagnosis) for some time and have only recently considered filing suit, time may be of the essence. Like all lawsuits, AFFF-related claims are subject to a statute of limitations. If the statute of limitations for your claim expires, you won’t be able to seek the financial compensation you and your family deserve. This is yet another reason why it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Schedule your free consultation today to preserve your right to file.

Steps to Take if You Think You May Have an AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

With all of this in mind, what should you do if you think you may have legal cause? If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or another serious medical condition linked to aqueous film forming foam, you should try to take the following steps right away:

Step #1: Collect Your (or Your Loved One’s) Medical Records

Your (or your loved one’s) medical records will be key evidence in your personal injury lawsuit. If you have access to these records, you should go ahead and collect them to discuss with your lawyer during your free initial consultation. If you don’t have access to your medical records, that’s okay—your lawyer will be able to collect them on your behalf later.

Step #2: Collect Your Receipts and Other Documentation

You should also try to collect any receipts and other documentation that may be relevant to your AFFF-related claim. This includes (but is not limited to) forms of documentation such as:

Receipts for prescriptions, medical supplies, and other purchases
Communications with your (or your loved one’s) healthcare providers
Employment records showing your (or your loved one’s) employment as a firefighter and any time missed from work

Here, too, your lawyer can help you collect any documents that you aren’t sure how to collect on your own. But if you have these available, they will help your lawyer provide a more comprehensive assessment of your legal rights during your free initial consultation.

Step #3: Continue to Prioritize Your Wellbeing

Regardless of whether you have cause for a suit, it is important to prioritize your wellbeing. You should do everything you can to help yourself get better or manage your physical and psychological wellbeing as effectively as possible. If you have an AFFF lawsuit, this will help ensure that all of your expenses will be covered.

Step #4: Write Down a List of Questions

If you are like most people, you have lots of questions about filing an AFFF lawsuit. The litigation is complicated, and there truly are no dumb questions. If there is anything you want to know, you should write it down so you can ask your lawyer during your free initial consultation.

Step #5: Schedule a Free Consultation with an AFFF Lawyer

While this is the last step on our list, this is the first major step toward asserting your legal rights. To seek the financial compensation you and your family deserve, you will need an experienced AFFF attorney on your side. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation at Oberheiden P.C. so that our AFFF lawyers can help guide you forward.

Schedule a Free Consultation About Filing a Firefighting Foam AFFF Lawsuit Today

Do you need to know more about filing a firefighting foam AFFF lawsuit? If so, we invite you to get in touch. Call 866-781-9539 or request a free consultation online to schedule an appointment today.

Further Information About Our AFFF Injury Lawsuit Services

Last Updated: 07-20-2025

Disclaimer:
The content on this site is informational only and describes mere allegations. The content does not suggest evidence, proof, or guaranteed liability. The merits of each case depend on specific facts. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases. For more details, please see our FTC and general disclaimers. Oberheiden Law is the law firm in charge.