Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Update 2025

AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) is a fire suppression substance used in the fighting of fires. This material contains Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals. These chemicals are also known as forever chemicals, since they don’t break down over time, remaining both in the environment and inside human blood indefinitely. In addition to not breaking down, PFAS are also a known carcinogen.

March 2025 Update

The AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit continues to expand, with 8,092 cases now pending in multidistrict litigation in South Carolina. Recent months have seen a surge in new filings as speculation about a potential global settlement grows, prompting attorneys to move quickly before any cutoff is established. With expert discovery deadlines approaching, those affected by PFAS exposure are urged to take legal action before opportunities for compensation narrow.

AFFF Lawsuit Updates

As a result of exposure to the toxic chemicals within AFFF, many victims have developed numerous health complications, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, pancreatic cancer and kidney cancer. This is an especially large problem for firefighters, who may have experienced prolonged exposure to AFFF over the course of their duties.

To receive some financial compensation and justice, victims of prolonged AFFF exposure have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of AFFF materials. The plaintiffs are alleging that the manufacturers knew of the dangers of their products and continued to sell them anyway, without disclosing the risks.

If you or a loved one developed significant health complications as a result of exposure to AFFF or PFAS chemicals, you may be eligible for a lawsuit. Reach out to our legal team today from anywhere in the US to receive a free consultation by calling us directly at 855-625-7778.

AFFF Lawsuit – Latest News

• How Is Maine Addressing PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Contamination? (3/10/2025)
• Firefighting Foam Spill in Brunswick: PFAS Contamination Raises Environmental Concerns (8/21/2024)
• PFAS Testicular Cancer: Lawsuit Alleges Contaminated Drinking Water Caused Man’s Diagnosis (8/5/2024)
• EPA Introduces First-Ever National Regulations on PFAS in Drinking Water (4/10/2024)
• Understanding the Landmark AFFF/PFAS Water District Settlement (10/19/2023)
• Potential Firefighting Foam Water District Settlement  (7/26/2023)

Is there an AFFF lawsuit ?

Yes, Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) lawsuits have surged as more individuals come forward, claiming exposure-related health issues. Firefighters and others with prolonged exposure to AFFF are filing lawsuits against major manufacturers, alleging they knowingly sold harmful products.

Overview of AFFF Lawsuits 

• As of June 2023, more than 3,000 AFFF plaintiffs were involved in a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in the United States Federal Court in South Carolina.
• The number of cases continues to grow as the MDL moves towards a conclusion.
• Plaintiffs’ lawyers hope for a global firefighting foam settlement.

Where did AFFF lawsuits begin ?  

• AFFF lawsuits began appearing over two years ago.
• Many affected individuals, especially firefighters, developed health complications after prolonged exposure.
• AFFF contains PFAS (poly-fluoroalkyl substances), which are resistant to heat and useful for extinguishing fires involving accelerants.

What are the health risks of PFAS ?  

• PFAS do not biodegrade and can bind to proteins in humans and animals.
• This increases the risk of developing cancer and other health issues.
• In 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed PFAS exposure can cause kidney and testicular cancer.
• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also linked PFAS to kidney, testicular, and prostate cancer.

Who are the AFFF manufacturers facing the lawsuits ?

• Major companies like 3M and DuPont are accused of selling AFFF despite knowing the health risks.
• The MDL consolidated cases to streamline the legal process and information sharing.

How many AFFF lawsuits are there ? 

• By June 2022, over 2,500 lawsuits were in the class action MDL.
• Some lawsuits claim exposure led to cancer, while others allege AFFF contaminated water supplies.
• By June 2023, the MDL had over 4,700 lawsuits, though many are expected to be dismissed due to a water contamination settlement.
• A bellwether case was expected to start in July 2023 after a postponement.

Future of the Litigation  

• If no settlement is reached, the bellwether case will proceed to assess jury reactions.
• More settlements may occur based on trial outcomes.

AFFF Linked to Health Complications, Including Cancer

There is now ample evidence that exposure to AFFF firefighting foam poses health risks.

What are the health risks associated with AFFF exposure ? 

• Increased risk of developing cancer
• Negative effects on the immune system
• Liver damage
• Higher cholesterol levels
• Increased risk of asthma
• Higher risk of thyroid disease
• Issues with fetal development
• Hormonal imbalances
• Even low-level exposure may have significant health effects.

Studies on AFFF Exposure and Health Risks 

Use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foams and Knowledge of Perfluorinated Compounds among Florida Firefighters

• A study surveyed 131 Florida firefighters from 67 fire departments.
• Over 80% reported using AFFF in fire suppression.
• A third used AFFF in two to five calls per year.
• The study found low awareness of AFFF health effects.
• Departments using AFFF were less likely to have health or safety officers.
• The study urged national surveillance of AFFF use.

Get a free legal case review today

Did you develop any of the following injuries after being exposed to Fire Fighting Foam (AFFF)? * Choose one Ulcerative Colitis Kidney Cancer Pancreatic Cancer Testicular Cancer Prostate Cancer Bladder Cancer Thyroid Disease Liver Cancer Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma None of the above Were you exposed to Fire Fighting Foam (AFFF)? *

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Which medication(s) did you take during your pregnancy? * Choose one Tylenol Acetaminophen Alka-Seltzer Coricidin Dayquil Excedrin FluTherapy Midol Mucinex Nyquil Panadol Robitussin Sinex Sudafed Theraflu Other Medication(s) Was your child diagnosed with Autism, ADHD or another condition? * Choose one Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Asperger’s Syndrome Kanner’s Syndrome Childhood Disintegrative Disorder Pervasive Developmental Disorder Other Medical Condition How old was your child at the time of diagnosis? *

Under 18 years old18+ years old

Did the accident occur within the last 2 years? *

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What is your case type? * Choose one -------------------- Asbestos Baby Formula Camp Lejeune Clergy Abuse CPAP Elmiron Exactech Firefighting Foam FTX Exchange Hair Relaxer Hernia Mesh Paraquat PFAS Roundup Sex Abuse Social Media Talcum Powder Tepezza Tylenol -------------------- Birth Injury Car Accident FELA Medical Malpractice Motorcycle Accident Slip and Fall Trucking Accident Uber & Lyft Rideshare Workplace Injury Weight Loss Wrongful Death -------------------- Something Else

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Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances in a Cohort of Women Firefighters and Office Workers in San Francisco 

• Examined how PFAS exposure affected women, as most studies focus on men.
• Included 86 firefighters and 84 office workers.
• Found firefighters had higher PFAS levels than office workers.
• Firefighters’ roles affected PFAS exposure, with those near fires at higher risk.
• Firefighters using AFFF had higher PFAS levels than those who did not.

PFAS Exposure and Risk of Cancer  

• Conducted by the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) at the National Cancer Institute.
• Found increased risk of renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) with higher PFOA exposure.
• Additional studies are investigating PFAS exposure from water contamination on military bases.
• Research is ongoing into links between PFAS and ovarian and prostate cancer.

What are the projected AFFF lawsuit settlement amounts ?

Expected Settlement Structure 

• AFFF lawsuits will likely result in a global mass-tort settlement.
• Defendants will pay into a fund, which will be distributed based on a formula.
• A points-based system may be used to determine settlement amounts.

Estimated Settlement Amounts 

• Plaintiffs with long-term exposure and severe conditions may receive $200,000 to $500,000.
• Those with long-term exposure but milder conditions may receive lower amounts.
• Plaintiffs with minimal exposure or minor health issues could receive $75,000 to $300,000.
• Final settlement amounts will depend on case specifics and total settlement funds available.

Do you qualify for an AFFF lawsuit?

To qualify for an AFFF lawsuit, you typically need to meet two requirements. First, you must have been exposed to PFAS. Your lawyer will likely want you to present evidence that you were exposed to PFAS over a prolonged period of time, such as working as a firefighter or in a factory. Next, you will need to show that you developed cancer after being exposed to PFAS. This includes a diagnosis of some for of cancer, such as kidney cancer, testicular cancer, pancreatic cancer, or prostate cancer.

If you think that you might meet those requirements, consider consulting with an AFFF lawyer. We have AFFF legal advisors available to help. Please call us at 855-625-7778. They will review the specifics of your case and help you determine if you’re eligible for a lawsuit. Your lawyer may ask you to provide some documentation, such as proof of working in a job that exposed you to PFAS or medical records about your diagnosis.

AFFF Lawsuit Timeline: