AFFF, which stands for aqueous film-forming foam, is a synthetic, water-based surfactant. AFFF firefighting foam was designed for the suppression of Class B fires—fires in flammable liquids such as gasoline or petroleum. The foam is effective in smothering fires and preventing them from taking in oxygen necessary to continue burning. Because of its effectiveness in fighting petroleum and jet fuel fires, AFFF was commonly used by the military, public and private airports and civilian fire departments for both training exercises and fire suppression. Many fire departments have been exposed to AFFF through Fire Drill Trainings and have discontinued their use of firefighting foam, but many military bases in the United States continue to use it. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reportedly required firefighters to use AFFF firefighting foam at airports until 2018.
AFFF firefighting foam has been sold for decades by major chemical manufacturers like 3M, Tyco, DuPont and Chemguard. Also for decades, it is alleged these companies incorporated toxic chemicals in their AFFF manufacturing. AFFF contained PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), both belonging to a family of chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). In 2010, the EPA requested chemical manufacturers stop using certain types of PFAS in firefighting foam.
PFAS in AFFF – What Makes Them Dangerous?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in the manufacturing of a wide variety of products since the 1940s. PFOA and PFOS chemicals found in AFFF are referred to as C-8 chemicals, referencing their extremely strong 8-carbon atom chain. Commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFOA and PFOS break down at an exceptionally low rate in nature and in the body.
Once in our bodies, these toxins have half-lives of up to eight years. As they accumulate over time, the potential for adverse health effects grows exponentially. PFAS have been designated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a possible human carcinogen, meaning exposure may cause cancer in humans. This determination was made based on epidemiological evidence linking exposure to diseases like kidney and testicular cancers and other health complications like hormone disruption, harm to the immune system, and liver and kidney toxicity.
Studies Find Possible AFFF Cancer Relationship
In 2020, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health published a study that found PFOA to exhibit up to five key carcinogenic characteristics. Specific cancers and illnesses linked to PFAS exposure have been identified, including but not limited to:
- Testicular cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Thyroid disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Preeclampsia
- Pancreatic cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Prostate cancer
AFFF Environmental Hazards
Once released into the environment, the chemicals in AFFF firefighting foam may contaminate soil, surface water, and groundwater. The chemicals may also enter drain systems which can carry the chemicals to remote locations. Much of this exposure has been identified at military sites. Because of this, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has developed a map designating the sites of both suspected and confirmed contamination, and providing relevant information for those who may have been exposed.
PFAS chemicals can enter and accumulate in the human body through water consumption or other forms of exposure, putting those who are exposed at risk of developing serious health problems including cancer.
In 2018, a federal inquiry determined that PFAS chemicals are more dangerous than initially reported. This determination led to the revision of recommendations for safe levels of AFFF exposure.
Firefighting Foam Exposure Risks & Occupations Using AFFF
The following occupations are considered to have the highest risk of AFFF exposure because they often involve working directly with firefighting foam:
- Firefighters
- Military members
- Airport workers
- Chemical plant workers
AFFF Lawsuits – What is Being Done?
Current AFFF lawsuits allege that the AFFF manufacturers were aware of the potential health risks from AFFF exposure, but continued to produce their products and market it as safe for use.
3M, the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, is claimed to be responsible for the toxic exposure of firefighters and other workers that have employed the use of AFFF. They, along with others like Chemguard, Tyco Fire Products, National Foam and Buckeye Fire Equipment, are being sued for continuing to manufacture AFFF after being made aware of the danger exposure to their product posed. Claims from all over the country are currently being consolidated into a multi-district litigation in South Carolina Federal Court.