Firefighting Foam Attorneys

PFAS Toxic Exposure Litigation in Florida

Since the 1950s manufacturers have been creating firefighting foam all while knowing its dangers to human health and the environment. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are toxic chemicals that were developed to help smother fires. PFAS work hand in hand with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), also known as firefighting foam. This foam creates a barrier that switches off the fuel from the oxygen to end any burning. Firefighting foams also contain a laundry list of other chemicals such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

The problem with all of these toxic chemicals is that they can pose severe health risks to humans and harm the environment. These chemicals found in firefighting foam have been identified as bio-accumulative and water-soluble, meaning that they can seep into the air and water, which is how they gain access to the human body. When firefighting foam is used to put out fires or in firefighter training drills, the toxins are released into the environment and have the capabilities to contaminate the surrounding areas groundwater, soil, and air.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said PFAS are contaminants that can pose a huge threat to the health of humans. Firefighters and military members that are frequently exposed to the dangerous chemicals found in firefighting foam have been known to develop pancreatic, testicular, and kidney cancer.

If you or a loved one has suffered any health problems after being exposed to firefighting foam, our Firefighting Foam Attorneys at Whittel & Melton are here to help you understand what your legal options are. You could be entitled to money for mounting medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. For a completely free consultation with us to learn more about your rights, we welcome you to contact us online or call us at 866-608-5529.

Firefighting Foam is Dangerous

Firefighting foam, also known as AFFF, is used by firefighters and military personnel to put out fires more effectively. The problem is that AFFFs are made up of toxic chemicals, including PFOS and PFAS, which have been linked to various cancers as well as stunted growth in children. Along with the EPA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have also reported the elevated risk for people developing cancer from these toxic chemicals. While many local fire departments have banned the use of firefighting foam, most military bases still use it. It is not just the people who are using this foam that can develop health risks. The chemicals found in firefighting foam can enter the local groundwater and contaminate the drinking water of those who live in the surrounding areas.

Firefighting Foam in The News – What’s Going On?

The military and firefighters have been using firefighting foam for nearly 60 years and the Federal Aviation Administration required firefighters working at airports to use this foam until 2018. A federal inquiry in 2018 found that PFAS are far more dangerous than initially reported which led to revised recommendations for safety when exposed to these chemicals. On that same note, the Department of Defense found hundreds of military bases that are contaminated with the toxic chemicals found in firefighting foam. All of this information brings us to numerous lawsuits that have been filed against the manufacturers of firefighting foam because they did not warn users of the severe risks of developing various types of cancers after using these dangerous chemicals.

You can read about various lawsuits against firefighting foam manufacturers below:

• Tampa Airport Files Lawsuit Against Firefighting Foam Manufacturers Over PFAS Contamination
• Tampa Bay Water Suing 3M, Dupont Over PFAS Contamination
• Wurtsmith Air Force Base Contaminated with PFAS
• Firefighting foam contaminates California Drinking Water, Linked to Cancer
• Michigan Attorney General Files Suit Against Firefighting Foam Manufacturers over PFAS
• 22 Attorney General Taking on PFAS
• Dupont Pays $50 Million in PFAS Cancer Lawsuit
• Chemours, Dupont Liability in PFAS Case

Complications Associated with Firefighting Foam

The toxic chemicals found in firefighting foam have been associated with various cancers and other health risks, such as birth defects, obesity, diabetes, fertility problems, impaired growth in children, neuroendocrine tumors, and immune system damage. Individuals who are at greatest risk of suffering the side effects of PFAS from firefighting foam are firefighters, air force and military personnel, manufacturers of the foam, and those who live in areas where firefighting foam was used. Cancers that have been linked to firefighting foam are:

• Bladder Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Lymphoma
• Prostate Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Leukemia

Manufacturers Responsible for Firefighting Foam

Numerous chemical companies are now facing lawsuits for their sale of dangerous firefighting foam for over 50 years. These companies pushed their toxic products to airports, military bases, and other industrial sites throughout the United States. Firefighting foam was created, manufactured and distributed by the following companies:

• 3M Company
• Dynax Corporation
• Buckeye Fire Equipment
• Tyco Fire Products
• The Chemours Company
• Chemguard
• Chubb Fire
• Du Pont de Nemours
• National Foam
• Corteva
• Kidde Fire Fighting
• UTC Fire & Security Americas Corp.
• Enterra Corp.
• Williams Holdings

We must protect our environment and put a stop to these toxic chemicals invading our environment and the bodies of the workers who have used them and the people that live nearby. The manufacturers knew the dangers of their products and must be held responsible for their negligence.

Firefighting Foam Lawyers at Whittel & Melton Are Ready to Help You

Our Firefighting Foam Attorneys at Whittel & Melton are currently taking on firefighting foam lawsuits involving all 50 states. We are happy to review your claim and determine if you or a family member may be entitled to collect financial compensation.

If you or someone you love have suffered health complications related to exposure to firefighting foam, you could recover a financial award for medical expenses and other damages. A consultation with us is free and confidential. We will answer any and all of your questions and help you further understand the merits of your case. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation.