AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AFFF?

AFFF stands for Aqueous Film-Forming Foam. It is a firefighting foam specifically designed to extinguish flammable liquid fires (fuel, oil, jet fuel). It works by forming a film over the burning liquid to cut off oxygen. AFFF has been used since the 1960s by firefighters, the military, airports, and oil refineries.

What are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of synthetic chemicals used in AFFF and many consumer products. They are called "forever chemicals" because they never break down in the environment. They accumulate in the human body over time, primarily in the blood, kidneys, and liver.

I was a firefighter but never got cancer — should I be concerned?

PFAS accumulation is a long-term risk. Even if you have not been diagnosed with cancer, you may want to:

• Discuss PFAS blood testing with your doctor
• Monitor for symptoms of PFAS-related conditions
• Keep records of your AFFF exposure history

Will filing a lawsuit affect my VA benefits?

No. Your VA disability benefits are completely separate from any lawsuit against AFFF manufacturers. You can receive both VA compensation and a lawsuit settlement. The lawsuit is against private companies (3M, DuPont), not the government.

Will filing a lawsuit affect my pension or retirement?

No. Filing a lawsuit against AFFF manufacturers does not affect your firefighter pension, military retirement, or any other government benefits.

Didn't 3M already settle?

3M's $10.3 billion settlement was for municipal water contamination — payments to water utilities that had to clean up PFAS in their water systems. This settlement does NOT cover individual personal injury claims. If you developed cancer from AFFF exposure, your claim is separate and still active.

How do I prove I was exposed to AFFF?

Common forms of evidence include:

• Military service records (DD-214, duty station records)
• Fire department employment records
• Training logs showing participation in foam exercises
• Deployment records showing service at bases with known PFAS contamination
• Testimony from colleagues who can confirm AFFF use
• PFAS blood test results showing elevated levels

What if my base or fire department isn't on the known contamination list?

New sites are being identified regularly. Even if your specific base or department is not yet on a public list, AFFF was used at virtually all military installations and many fire departments. An attorney can help determine if your exposure site is relevant.

How much does it cost to file a claim?

Nothing. Attorneys work on contingency — they take a percentage of any settlement or verdict. No recovery means no fee.

How long will the case take?

The AFFF MDL has been active for several years. Personal injury claims are expected to take 2-4 more years to reach resolution for most claimants, depending on bellwether trial outcomes and settlement negotiations.

Can family members of deceased firefighters or veterans file?

Yes. If a loved one passed away from a cancer that may be linked to AFFF exposure, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim.

Can I file if I was exposed to PFAS in my drinking water (not AFFF directly)?

Potentially. If you lived near a military base, airport, or fire training facility and your drinking water was contaminated with PFAS, you may have a claim — especially if you developed a PFAS-related illness. This is a rapidly expanding area of the litigation.