The Dangers of AFFF Firefighting Foam; What you need to know!
The Dangers of AFFF Firefighting Foam; What you need to know!
Firefighters risk their lives every day to save people and property from the devastating effects of fires. To combat these fires, firefighters use a range of tools and technologies, including firefighting foam. Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a type of firefighting foam that has been in use for several decades. However, in recent years, AFFF has become the focus of legal battles due to its role in contaminating water sources.
AFFF is a type of foam that is specifically designed to put out fires that are fueled by flammable liquids, such as gasoline and oil. It is highly effective in extinguishing these fires because it forms a thick blanket that quickly spreads over the surface of the burning liquid, cutting off the oxygen supply and preventing the fire from spreading. AFFF is widely used in airports, military bases, and other locations where large quantities of fuel are stored.
The problem with AFFF is that it contains perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which are highly persistent and bioaccumulative. These chemicals do not break down easily in the environment and can accumulate in the tissues of living organisms, including humans. Studies have linked exposure to PFCs to a range of health problems, including cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental delays.
In recent years, lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of AFFF by former firefighters and local water suppliers. The plaintiffs allege that the manufacturers knew about the health risks associated with PFCs but failed to warn the public. The lawsuits also allege that the manufacturers continued to sell AFFF even after they became aware of the risks.
The U.S. District Judge presiding over all AFFF lawsuits pending throughout the federal court system has appointed a mediator to work with plaintiffs and manufacturers during settlement negotiations. The judge is hoping that a settlement can be reached that will compensate the plaintiffs for their damages and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
One of the major manufacturers of AFFF is 3M Company. 3M has been named in many of the lawsuits filed by plaintiffs. In 2018, 3M agreed to pay $850 million to settle a lawsuit brought by the state of Minnesota. The lawsuit alleged that 3M contaminated drinking water sources in the state with PFCs. The settlement was one of the largest environmental settlements in U.S. history.
Tyco Fire Products, Chemguard, Inc., and other manufacturers of AFFF are also facing lawsuits. The lawsuits have been consolidated in multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. The MDL is designed to streamline the legal process and make it more efficient for the plaintiffs and the defendants.
The lawsuits are not just about compensating the plaintiffs for their damages. They are also about holding the manufacturers of AFFF accountable for their actions. The lawsuits allege that the manufacturers knew about the risks associated with PFCs but failed to warn the public. The lawsuits also allege that the manufacturers continued to sell AFFF even after they became aware of the risks.
The lawsuits have had a ripple effect on local communities across the country. Many communities have had to spend large sums of money to remove PFCs from their drinking water sources. The cost of these efforts can be significant, and some communities have had to raise taxes or cut services to pay for them.
In conclusion, the lawsuits against manufacturers of AFFF are a reminder that the products we use can have unintended consequences. AFFF was designed to save lives and property, but it has also contaminated water sources and put people at risk of developing serious health problems. The lawsuits are an important step in holding the manufacturers of AFFF accountable for their actions and compensating the victims of their products. Hopefully, a settlement can be reached that will prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
If you or a loved one developed cancer as a result of using AFFF while being an active firefighter do not hesitate to contact the team at Serna & Associates PLLC. Go to our informational page www.usproductdefects.com or call us at 1-877-822-1212.
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