(AFFF) Fire fighters foam: Causes, Settlements, and Complications

What is AFFF?
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a type of firefighting foam widely used to suppress flammable liquid fires, such as fuel and chemical fires. It works by forming a thin film that spreads across the surface of burning fuel, cutting off oxygen and cooling the flames. AFFF has been extensively used by firefighters, airports, and military bases for decades.

Health Effects of AFFF

AFFF contains chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often referred to as "forever chemicals" because of their persistence in the environment and their tendency to accumulate in the human body. Exposure to PFAS from AFFF has been linked to several health risks:

1. Cancer:

   • Increased risks of kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and other cancers.

2. Hormonal Disruption:

   • PFAS can interfere with endocrine function, leading to thyroid disease.

3. Immune System Effects:

   • Weakened immune responses and reduced effectiveness of vaccines.

4. Reproductive and Developmental Issues:

   • Fertility problems and developmental delays in children.

5. Other Chronic Conditions:

   • Liver damage, high cholesterol, and other health problems.

Environmental Impact of AFFF

PFAS in AFFF can seep into soil and water, contaminating drinking water supplies near areas where AFFF was used frequently, such as military bases, industrial sites, and airports. The contamination can persist for decades, posing long-term risks to ecosystems and communities.

AFFF Lawsuits and Settlements

Legal actions regarding AFFF focus on claims that manufacturers, including 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and others, knowingly produced products containing PFAS without adequately warning users of the risks. Plaintiffs include firefighters, military personnel, and communities affected by PFAS contamination.

Recent AFFF Lawsuit Settlements and Payouts

1. June 2023:

   • $10.3 Billion Settlement:
     3M agreed to pay municipalities and water systems across the U.S. to resolve claims of PFAS contamination caused by AFFF.

2. July 2021:

   • $671 Million Settlement:
     DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva reached a settlement to resolve PFAS contamination lawsuits.

3. Range of Individual Payouts:

   • Lowest: Smaller claims involving minor health or environmental impacts have seen payouts in the range of $25,000 to $100,000.

   • Highest: Cases involving severe health conditions like cancer or widespread environmental damage have resulted in settlements and verdicts exceeding $1 million per plaintiff.