If you served our nation in the military and have since been diagnosed with cancer, your exposure to firefighting foam known as Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) during your service may be the cause. For decades, AFFF was routinely used on military bases and vessels to extinguish dangerous fuel fires, especially those involving aircraft. Unbeknownst to many, this foam contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), persistent chemicals that have been linked to a range of serious health issues, including numerous types of cancer.

We are a dedicated team of legal professionals committed to advocating for the rights of military personnel suffering from AFFF exposure. We offer a confidential and free case review to help you understand your legal options and determine if you can pursue a claim for justice and compensation for your injuries. It is essential to act quickly, as deadlines could impact your ability to file a claim. Don't hesitate to explore your path to justice.

Who is Affected? Our Dedicated Military Firefighters and Personnel

Exposure to AFFF was widespread across various branches and roles within the military. This includes:

• Air Force Firefighters: Responsible for aircraft rescue and firefighting operations on air bases, where AFFF was heavily utilized.
• Navy Firefighters: Serving on naval ships and shore installations, these personnel were involved in firefighting and safety procedures where AFFF was commonly employed.
• Army Firefighters: Protecting Army bases, equipment, and personnel, including aviation assets, where AFFF was a standard firefighting agent.
• Marine Corps Firefighters: Tasked with aviation and structural firefighting on Marine Corps air stations and bases, leading to potential AFFF exposure.
• Coast Guard Personnel: Involved in firefighting duties at Coast Guard air stations and vessels, where AFFF was used for flammable liquid fires.
• Other Military Personnel: In addition to dedicated firefighters, individuals in roles involving vehicle maintenance, flight line operations, and emergency response training may have also been exposed to AFFF.

If you served in any branch of the U.S. military and had potential contact with firefighting foam, your risk of developing AFFF-related cancers could be significantly elevated.

The Documented Connection: AFFF Exposure and Increased Cancer Risk

Extensive scientific research has increasingly linked exposure to the PFAS chemicals found in AFFF to a higher incidence of various cancers. These chemicals can accumulate in the body over the years, potentially leading to severe and life-threatening illnesses.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, states, "Studies in humans have reported associations between PFAS exposure and several types of cancer, including kidney, testicular, liver, pancreatic, and bladder cancers."

Furthermore, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) notes that while research is ongoing, studies have suggested a potential link between PFAS exposure and cancers such as leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

A significant finding from a study on firefighters, a profession with exposure levels comparable to some military roles, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, stated: "In its latest review of the scientific evidence (from 2022), IARC has classified occupational exposure as a fire fighter as 'carcinogenic to humans' (Group 1). This is based on: Sufficient evidence for cancer in humans for: Mesothelioma. Bladder cancer. Limited evidence for cancer in humans for: Colon cancer. Prostate cancer. Testicular cancer. Melanoma of the skin. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma." While focused on civilian firefighters, this highlights the carcinogenic potential of similar exposures.  

The growing scientific consensus underscores the serious health risks faced by military personnel due to their service-related exposure to AFFF.

Expert Insight: The Long-Term Health Consequences of Military Service

Experts in environmental health and toxicology have raised significant concerns about the long-term health impacts of PFAS exposure on military personnel.

Linda S. Birnbaum, former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP), has stated, "PFAS are highly persistent in the environment and the human body, and even low levels of exposure have been linked to a variety of health problems, including increased risk of certain cancers."