More Than 300,000 Firefighters In The US May Have Been Exposed To Deadly AFFF Firefighting Foam

Firefighters use AFFF firefighting foam to train with regularly and were unaware of its toxicity

Tuesday, June 27, 2023 - Fire departments commonly integrate Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) into their training programs as a means to simulate real-life firefighting scenarios. This approach enables firefighters to gain familiarity with the proper application and handling of foam while also developing an understanding of its properties and effectiveness in combating various types of fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an estimated 29,705 fire departments were active throughout the country, including large urban fire departments and small rural volunteer fire departments. The number of individuals employed as firefighters in the United States varies depending on factors such as population size and the extent of fire protection services. Based on information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for May 2020, an estimated 332,400 individuals were employed as firefighters in the country. With the number of firefighting stations and firefighters of this magnitude, it comes as no surprise that thousands of firefighters may have developed AFFF firefighting foam cancer from regularly coming into contact with firefighting foam.

By incorporating AFFF into training exercises, firefighters can acquire valuable experience and practical knowledge, which better equips them to respond effectively to fire incidents. During AFFF training, firefighters learn how to deploy and apply the foam to extinguish or suppress fires, particularly those involving flammable liquids. They become familiar with the specific equipment and techniques used in foam application, including foam proportioning systems, nozzles, and delivery methods. Moreover, firefighters gain insights into the behavior and characteristics of AFFF, such as its ability to form a protective film on flammable liquid surfaces, which helps smother the fire and prevent re-ignition. By simulating real-life firefighting scenarios, AFFF training enables firefighters to develop critical decision-making skills, enhance situational awareness, and improve their ability to assess the most appropriate foam application techniques for specific fire scenarios. It also provides an opportunity to identify potential challenges or limitations associated with foam usage, such as its environmental impact or compatibility with certain fire suppression systems.

US lawmakers have a responsibility to thoroughly assess the safety of AFFF firefighting foams in use in the US and provide adequate warnings regarding risks to the environment or human health. 3M will continue to produce deadly AFFF firefighting foam through 2025. 3M and DuPont face hundreds of AFFF Firefighting Foam lawsuits alleging that firefighters have developed cancer or died from the disease after repeatedly coming into contact with deadly firefighting foam. If you or a loved one have been regularly exposed to firefighting foam and subsequently diagnosed with kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, or another form, you may be able to file an AFFF lawsuit to receive lump-sum monetary compensation.

Information provided by AFFFLawsuitCenter.com, a website devoted to providing news about AFFF and PFAS cancer, lymphoma and leukaemia claims, including a free no-cost, no-obligation AFFF Lawsuit Claim.