Boesen Law is investigating firefighting foam injury cases involving there may have been exposure to highly toxic PFAS chemicals in the foam. This product, known as Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), has been linked to cancer and other serious health risks for firefighters using the foam to extinguish fires.
Our nations firefighters are being injured by no fault of their own by these dangerous chemicals used in the firefighting foam.
At Boesen Law, we are representing individuals who have been harmed by PFAS chemicals. Give us a call today for a free consultation to talk to one of our attorneys about a potential firefighter foam lawsuit.
Firefighters and civilians may be impacted
Firefighters are not the only people affected by the PFAS chemicals. Individuals who live around areas where firefighter foam was used may have also been exposed to PFAS. If you live near the airport, fire stations, or military bases where the foam may have been used, then you may have been impacted and have a potential case. You may have been exposed to it in your drinking water, which is known to cause a number of health issues.
What is firefighting foam?
Firefighting foam is used to suppress fires by cooling the flames and coating the fuel, which prevents it from coming into contact with oxygen and thus stops the combustion process.
Firefighting foam contains PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), a group of chemicals used to create fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.
For decades, civilian airports, military bases, offshore operations, and fire departments across the US have used Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) containing PFAS to extinguish liquid fuel fires. This widespread use has led to increased levels of PFAS chemicals in the water supply in these areas.
In June 2022, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that there is no safe level of two specific PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, in drinking water. As a result, AFFF has contaminated the soil and groundwater on numerous military bases and in countless communities throughout the US.
What is PFAS and what are the health risks?
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are associated with a variety of health issues due to their persistence in the environment and the human body. PFAS in drinking water has been known to cause lots of health issues to individuals who consume it. Here are a few of the primary health concerns related to PFAS exposure include:
Cancer: PFAS exposure has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including kidney and testicular cancer.
Hormonal Disruption: PFAS can interfere with endocrine function, leading to hormonal imbalances.
Immune System Effects: PFAS exposure may weaken the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight infections and reducing the effectiveness of vaccines.
Liver Damage: PFAS can cause liver damage, affecting liver function and potentially leading to liver disease.
Thyroid Disease: PFAS exposure has been linked to thyroid dysfunction, including hypothyroidism.
Reproductive Issues: PFAS can affect reproductive health, potentially leading to fertility issues and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight and preeclampsia.
Developmental Delays: Exposure to PFAS during pregnancy and early childhood can lead to developmental delays in children, including cognitive and behavioral issues.
Cholesterol Levels: PFAS exposure has been associated with increased cholesterol levels, which can contribute to cardiovascular diseases.
These health issues underscore the importance of reducing PFAS exposure and addressing contamination in affected areas.
Why are PFAS used in firefighting foam?
PFAS-containing firefighting foam, known as AFFF, is highly effective at combating the most dangerous and challenging fires, such as those involving liquid fuels like jet fuel, gasoline, oil tankers, and offshore platforms. However, after being used to extinguish fires, the toxic foam can seep into the ground, contaminating the drinking water sources of nearby communities and cities.
To ensure safe drinking water, cities and municipalities with high levels of PFAS chemicals need to implement more expensive water treatment methods than those used by most local facilities. Unfortunately, many communities affected by PFAS contamination cannot afford these costly upgrades. It would be unjust to pass these expenses onto consumers instead of holding the companies that profit from manufacturing PFAS accountable.
Firefighting Gear PFAS Lawsuit
There are ongoing lawsuits related to PFAS in firefighting gear. Firefighters and other first responders have filed lawsuits against manufacturers of turnout gear, alleging that the PFAS chemicals used in the gear have caused cancer and other serious health issues. These lawsuits claim that the manufacturers continued to use these harmful chemicals despite knowing the risks.
Firefighters exposed to PFAS through their gear may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If you or a loved one has been affected, it is advisable to seek legal advice from our attorneys to determine if you qualify for a lawsuit.
For more information, contact us at Boesen Law. We represent individuals and firefighters who have been harmed by PFAS chemicals. Get a free consultation and talk with one of our attorneys about a potential firefighter gear lawsuit.
How to File a Firefighting Foam or Gear Lawsuit
The number of personal injury cases against firefighting foam manufacturers and other defendants is increasing daily. If you believe you may have a case, contact Boesen Law today for a free evaluation of your claim. Just fill out a form on our contact page or call our law firm directly at (303) 999-9999. Initial trials for these cases are already underway, so don’t delay.
If you or a family member has been exposed to firefighting foam, you may have a personal injury case. Lawsuits concerning PFAS chemicals and firefighting foam have been consolidated in a federal court for multidistrict litigation (MDL). This MDL includes personal injury cases filed by individuals who claim their illnesses result from PFAS exposure through contaminated drinking water or occupational exposure, seeking damages for cancer and other serious health problems caused by PFAS-contaminated water.
We also represent cities and water utilities that may have been harmed and have to pay to remove the PFAS from drinking water. Please reach out to us to discuss your legal options for a firefighter foam or firefighter gear lawsuit.