Firefighting Foam Military PFAS Exposure

Composed of human-made chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a type of foam used by firefighters to smother high-intensity fires.

Unfortunately, research has linked AFFF to an increased risk of cancer — especially for those who regularly used firefighting foam, like military firefighters.

If you were exposed to AFFF and later diagnosed with cancer, AFFF Claims Center may be able to help you pursue compensation. Find out if you qualify.

Firefighters & Military PFAS Exposure Risks

The U.S. Armed Forces need emergency protection from life-threatening hazards like fires, which is why there are many firefighters serving within the U.S. military. Military firefighters control and prevent fires on military bases and facilities, as well as aboard aircraft and U.S. Navy ships.

Because of the nature of their work, and their frequent use of AFFF, many military firefighters have been exposed to toxic PFAS that can cause serious health problems like cancer.

AFFF & PFAS on Military Bases

In the late 1960s, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) began requiring all branches of the U.S. military to use AFFF due to its ability to extinguish high-intensity fires involving extremely flammable substances like oil or petroleum.

Given this requirement, military firefighters have been disproportionately exposed to PFAS pollution.

In the United States, many of the highest concentrations of PFAS have been detected on or around military installations, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

While the Department of Defense recently committed to stop the use of PFAS-containing AFFF, its phaseout of cancer-causing firefighting foam will not be completed until 2024, though waivers may extend the deadline until 2026.

Military Firefighting Foam Extinguishers

Throughout the 50-year history of firefighting foam, an assortment of domestic and international companies have manufactured, distributed, and sold many different varieties of AFFF.

Some of the more commonly known AFFFs include:

• FireAid® by Fire Service Plus, Inc.
• Buckeye 3% Mil Spec AFFF by Buckeye Fire Equipment Company
• ChemGuard AR-AFFF 3% x 6% Foam by Chemguard, Inc.
• Light Water™ AFFF by 3M Company
• THUNDERSTORM® W833A 3×3 AR-AFFF by Williams Fire & Hazard Control

Historically, the U.S. military has been one of the largest consumers of firefighting foam.

​​Class A Foam vs. AFFF

There are two major types of firefighting foam — Class A foam and Class B foam — with AFFF falling under Class B:

• Class A Foam: Typically, this category of firefighting foam is used to extinguish fires caused by wood, paper, or brush. Given the lower level of intensity in these types of fires, Class A foams do not contain PFAS.
• Class B Foam: These foams, which include AFFF, are used to extinguish fires involving gasoline, oil, petroleum, and jet fuel. Class B foams are broken into two categories — fluorinated and fluorine-free. The fluorinated variety commonly contains PFAS.

Generally, Class A foams are considered to be much safer and far less toxic than AFFF, which can harm the environment and human health.

VA Disability Claims for AFFF Military Exposure

To qualify for Veterans Administration (VA) disability benefits, a veteran must have a service-related disability, which can range from a condition like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to cancer caused by exposure to PFAS or other toxic substances.

For example, a retired military firefighter may seek VA disability compensation for cancer that was caused by PFAS exposure during their service. If a veteran has had a VA disability claim denied, they can appeal the decision, which our attorneys can help with as well.

Military firefighters suffering from cancer caused by exposure to PFAS, though, may want to file a firefighting foam cancer lawsuit that could potentially recover the compensation they need to pay their medical bills and secure their family’s financial future.

Filing a PFAS Military Lawsuit

At AFFF Claims Center, the firefighting foam lawyers in our network are currently investigating cases involving cancer after occupational exposure to AFFF.

You may be able to file a military AFFF lawsuit if you or your loved one:

• Worked as a firefighter
• Was exposed to toxic firefighting foams
• Was later diagnosed with leukemia; lymphoma; or pancreatic, kidney, testicular, thyroid, bladder, breast, colon, liver, or prostate cancer

Through a firefighting foam cancer lawsuit, you may be able to receive PFAS compensation for any injuries you have endured due to PFAS exposure.

Get a free case review now. We will listen to your story and help you understand your legal options.