Firefighting foam has been manufactured by chemical companies and used for diffusing fires for years. However, it has been shown that the same dangerous chemicals that can diffuse these fires may also be causing certain types of cancers. Additionally, it is possible that the chemical companies that produce firefighting foam may have been aware of the potentially carcinogenic components of the foam.
What is Firefighting Foam?
Firefighting foam is also called Aqueous Film Forming Foam, or AFFF, and is used by firefighters, military members, and some airport workers to suppress flames from petroleum-based fires. It is found across the United States and has contaminated soil and water in the places where it is used most frequently.
Who is at Risk?
The people who are most at risk of contracting cancer from contaminants in firefighting foam are, of course, firefighters. Additionally, military firefighters may be the most at-risk as the majority of petroleum-based fires occur in military contexts. Those who have been affected may be entitled to compensation and should contact a lawyer about a firefighting foam lawsuit in their area.
What Ingredients in AFFF Cause Cancer?
There are ingredients included in the production of firefighting foam that are called PFA’s and have been proven to cause a number of different types of cancer. When firefighters and military personnel are exposed to these dangerous chemicals repeatedly over a long period of time, they could be susceptible to contracting certain types of cancer.
What Cancers May Have Been Caused by the Foam?
The dangerous chemicals found in firefighting foam have been shown to cause cancers like kidney cancer, testicular and prostate cancers, liver cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia. If you or a loved one have interacted with firefighting foam and were diagnosed with cancer, you may be able to get compensation through legal action. Contact a reputable attorney from Herrman & Herrman PLLC today to talk about your options.
