AFFF Firefighting Foam and Thyroid Disease Risk
AFFF foam was long used by civilian and military firefighters to extinguish highly flammable liquid fires, including jet fuel fires.
Despite its effectiveness against chemical fires and its long shelf life, AFFF firefighting foam contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that lead to health risks like thyroid disease.
AFFF firefighting foam and the increased risk of developing thyroid disease are well-documented.
Various studies and other scientific evidence corroborate the link between thyroid disease and chronic exposure to PFAS chemicals in AFFF foam.
For example, a 2018 meta-analysis looked into the correlation between exposure to PFAS chemicals and the development of thyroid disease and cancer.
Based on its findings, various studies had consistent data revealing a decrease in thyroid hormones in individuals exposed to PFAS chemicals.
Also, based on a 2020 review of old and new-generation PFAS chemicals, PFAS chemicals have thyroid-disrupting effects.
The study stated that pregnant women and developing children are the most at risk.
The thyroid-related health risks posed by toxic firefighting foam are hard to ignore, so agencies have looked into other at-risk populations.
In a report on PFAS and PFAS exposure, the Environmental Protection Agency identifies children and industrial workers to be the most at-risk populations.
Military firefighters were particularly in harm’s way due to their consistent exposure to PFAS chemicals in AFFF firefighting foam.
Understanding Thyroid Disease and Its Link to AFFF Firefighting Foam
Thyroid disease involves a range of disorders affecting thyroid function, leading to hormonal imbalances that impact various bodily processes.
AFFF firefighting foam, widely used to fight liquid fuel fires, contains PFAS chemicals increasingly associated with thyroid dysfunction and disease.
Studies have demonstrated that long-term exposure to PFAS chemicals, especially those found in AFFF, may disrupt thyroid function and contribute to thyroid-related diseases.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disease
Symptoms of thyroid disease can vary depending on whether it results in hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Sensitivity to temperature
Complications Associated with Thyroid Disease from PFAS Exposure
Long-term thyroid disease can lead to various complications that severely impact an individual’s quality of life.
Complications from thyroid dysfunction may include heart problems, such as arrhythmias or heart failure, due to fluctuating thyroid hormone levels.
Chronic thyroid disease can also contribute to mental health issues, like depression and cognitive decline, and increase the risk of osteoporosis due to imbalanced calcium regulation in the body.
For those exposed to PFAS chemicals, these risks are particularly concerning as PFAS compounds may exacerbate the severity of these health conditions over time.
Studies Linking PFAS Chemicals in AFFF to Thyroid Disease
Numerous studies have explored the relationship between PFAS exposure and thyroid disease, reinforcing the risks faced by those exposed to AFFF firefighting foam.
Research, such as a 2018 meta-analysis, has shown consistent data connecting PFAS exposure to thyroid hormone disruption, which may lead to the development of thyroid disease.
Another study in 2020 revealed that PFAS chemicals, both old and new-generation, disrupt thyroid function and pose health risks, especially for pregnant women and children.
The accumulating evidence from these studies strengthens the case for those pursuing legal recourse through AFFF litigation to address health issues related to thyroid disease from PFAS exposure.
PFAS Chemicals in Firefighting Foam and Effects on Human Health
Chemical manufacturers and the U.S. Navy, who first approved AFFF firefighting foam for use, knew about its toxic effects for decades.
Urged by the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Defense finally submitted an official warning stating that the dangerous chemicals in AFFF present an increased risk for serious health problems and environmental contamination.
In several research studies, PFAS chemicals have been linked to an increased risk for cancer and other serious health problems.
With the number of chemicals used in firefighting foam, the health impacts of them are widespread.
Airport firefighters, military firefighters, chemical plant workers, and workers who transport and manufacture firefighting foam are all especially at risk.
Studies on the links between AFFF Exposure and Health Problems include the following:
Health Risks Associated with AFFF Exposure
Exposure to AFFF firefighting foam has raised significant concerns due to its lasting presence in the body and environment, with evidence suggesting a link between AFFF and various health issues.
This foam, widely used in firefighting and military settings, contains chemicals that do not degrade easily, allowing them to accumulate over time.
Such exposure has resulted in increased scrutiny and ongoing research to understand the long-term health risks faced by those regularly in contact with these substances.
Numerous health problems have been associated with AFFF exposure.
Kidney and testicular cancer, as well as liver and thyroid cancer, are the most highly linked cancers to prolonged exposure to PFAS chemicals.
Health risks associated with exposure to PFAS containing firefighting foam include:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Small decreases in infant birth weights
- Decreased vaccine response in children
- Increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women
What Is the AFFF Lawsuit?
The AFFF foam lawsuits are a collection of lawsuits filed by victims of exposure to PFAS chemicals in toxic firefighting foam.
The plaintiffs in the case consist of military firefighters who served in the U.S. Military’s facilities and installations, as well as airport workers, civilian firefighters, industrial workers, and more.
Plaintiffs are filing AFFF lawsuits against various AFFF manufacturers for the diseases they’ve developed from harmful exposure to PFAS chemicals in AFFF firefighting foam.
Due to the overwhelming number of AFFF firefighting foam cases, the AFFF litigation has been consolidated into the AFFF multidistrict litigation (MDL).
The AFFF firefighting foam MDL has been filed in the U.S. District Court: District of South Carolina under MDL 2873.
Who Are the Defendants in the AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits?
The defendants in the AFFF firefighting foam cancer lawsuits include various AFFF manufacturers.
These manufacturers supplied AFFF firefighting foam products to various military bases and facilities, airports, and more.
Here are the defendants in the AFFF firefighting foam litigation:
- 3M
- DuPont
- Tyco Fire Products
- Chemours
- Corteva Inc.
- BASF Corp.
- Arkema Inc.
- Dynax Corp.
- Chubb National Foam Inc.
- UTC Fire & Security Americas
- AGC Chemicals Americas
- Kidde-Fenwal
- Clariant Corp.
- Carrier Global Corp.
As the proceedings unfold in the AFFF lawsuit, and more victims file their personal injury claims, more manufacturers may join the list of defendants.
If the lawsuits are successful, victims will be entitled to AFFF firefighting foam settlements.
Projected AFFF Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
Currently, no specific AFFF lawsuit settlements have been issued, though the multidistrict litigation (MDL) for AFFF claims is advancing.
Recent estimations, based on similar mass tort cases and preliminary assessments, suggest that settlements for strong claims involving severe illnesses linked to extensive AFFF exposure could reach between $200,000 and $500,000 for higher tiers, while mid-tier settlements might range from $150,000 to $300,000.
Less severe cases or those with limited exposure are likely to see lower settlement values, potentially between $20,000 and $75,000.
It’s important to note these estimates depend on numerous factors, including the strength of medical evidence, the type of cancer or illness, and the level of exposure.
As the AFFF MDL progresses, bellwether trials—particularly those concerning occupational exposure and cancer claims—will likely influence final settlement values.
Legal representation by experienced AFFF lawyers is critical for claimants to maximize potential compensation and navigate the complex MDL process
Visit this page for more information on AFFF Lawsuit settlement amounts.
Filing an AFFF Thyroid Disease Lawsuit
Have you or a loved one developed thyroid disease from AFFF foam exposure?
If you have been exposed to firefighting foam and subsequently developed thyroid disease, then you may be eligible to join others filing AFFF personal injury cases.
Find out now if you qualify for a claim.
Contact us at TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.
You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out instantly if you are eligible for the lawsuits.
Experienced AFFF lawyers can help victims build their case, completing necessary steps of the legal process such as gathering evidence and assessing damages.
Gathering Evidence for AFFF Lawsuits
Evidence is extremely important when filing AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits.
Evidence gathering is a process you can begin on your own, but an experienced AFFF lawyer can help you with this step.
Evidence in AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits may include:
- Medical records
- Cancer diagnosis information
- Employment records
- History of AFFF exposure
- Personal and witness testimony
- Any other information validating exposure to firefighting foam
Damages in Firefighting Foam Lawsuits
As your attorneys, we can accurately assess all the losses you’ve incurred in the treatment and management of your thyroid disease.
The losses you’ve suffered will be both economic and non-economic — and we calculate both to maximize your firefighting foam lawsuit settlement.
Damages in AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress
- Lost earning ability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
- Future medical expenses and therapy costs
- Other compensatory and punitive damages
If you lost someone to health problems caused by toxic firefighting foam, you may be able to recover other damages, including:
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral expenses
- Therapy costs
- Punitive damages
Why Hiring Experienced Firefighting Foam Attorneys for Your Claim Is Important
Pursuing compensation from AFFF foam manufacturers isn’t something you should do alone.
You need an attorney to represent your interests, fight for a fair settlement, and protect your rights throughout the AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit.
Our law firm will use your evidence to establish liability on behalf of those responsible for your health problems.
Our experienced firefighting foam lawyers will use their expertise and experience in product liability and mass tort claims to ensure the best possible outcome for your AFFF case.
We accurately evaluate your losses and ensure that you get compensated for them.
With us in your corner, you can maximize your chances of recovering a fair settlement that compensates you for everything you’ve gone through.
TorHoerman Law: Handling AFFF Cancer Lawsuits and Thyroid Disease Claims
The AFFF lawyers at TorHoerman Law have won over $4 billion in prior mass tort cases and personal injury litigations.
Our AFFF lawyers are known for holding large corporations and chemical manufacturers liable for the harm they’ve caused and securing financial compensation for people harmed at no fault of their own.
If you or a loved one have developed cancer or other adverse health outcomes after being regularly exposed to firefighting foam, you may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit and seek financial compensation.
Contact our experienced firefighting foam lawyers today for a free consultation.
You can also use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify to file an AFFF Lawsuit instantly.
Toxic chemicals in AFFF firefighting foam have been linked to several health risks, including cancer diagnosis, neurological issues, and other diseases.
Victims of AFFF exposure deserve an adequate and fair AFFF settlement.
Reach out to us for more information on the AFFF Lawsuits and find out how our AFFF lawyers can help you seek justice.
