Read Blog
related attorneys
Related practice area
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), often referred to as “firefighting foam,” is a substance that has long been used to extinguish petroleum or oil-based fires. Many members of the military, firefighters, and airport workers have been exposed to AFFF for years or even decades—and since 2016, the EPA, CDC, and American Cancer Society have each issued warnings to consumers about the connection between AFFF and certain types of cancers.
Those who have been exposed to AFFF and later developed cancer may be entitled to a cash settlement from the main manufacturers of AFFF—3M and DuPont. Currently, there are thousands of AFFF lawsuits pending, many of which were recently consolidated into a multi-district federal lawsuit. Who should file an AFFF lawsuit, and what should you know before pursuing legal action?
What is AFFF?
Aqueous film forming foam is a type of firefighting foam that is designed to extinguish fuel-based fires—those that don’t respond well to water or water-based firefighting foams. AFFF contains chemical substances known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals, which don’t biodegrade and may build up in the body over time. PFAS chemicals have been linked to various types of cancer.
The AFFF Lawsuit
After the connection between AFFF and cancer was made clear, many of those who had long-term AFFF exposure and later developed cancer sued 3M, DuPont, and other firefighting foam manufacturers in state and federal courts. These firefighting foam cancer lawsuits alleged that the manufacturers had been well aware for decades that AFFF posed a risk to those who used it, but failed to warn consumers and businesses about the risks or instruct them to take appropriate precautions when working with AFFF.
The federal lawsuits have been consolidated into a single multi-district litigation (MDL).
Generally, plaintiffs receiving settlement amounts from the AFFF settlement will include:
- Those who were exposed to fire-fighting foam over a period of decades including those who lived or worked on military bases.
- Those whose cancer or other illness diagnosis prevented them from working or caused them to accrue significant medical bills such as ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, or a permanent disability.
- Those who have a serious and tough-to-treat type of cancer like:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
Occupations That Have Been Exposed to AFFF
Anyone who has been exposed to AFFF for an extended period is at a higher risk than others of developing PFAS-associated cancers. However, there are certain occupations that are at a heightened cancer risk of AFFF exposure. These include:
- Military Personnel (both current and former members)
- Those who worked on a military base as a contractor
- Civilian firefighters and Military firefighters
- Airport workers
- Chemical industry workers
- Oil rig and petroleum processing workers
Though the term “firefighting foam” is often used interchangeably with AFFF, the military actually has the broadest exposure to AFFF. Those who served in the Middle East are especially likely to have been exposed to AFFF. Additionally, anyone working on offshore platforms or around industrial sites that had petroleum-based fires could have been exposed to the chemicals in firefighting foam.
Occupational exposure to toxic chemicals is more common than first understood. PFAS have been found when testing the water supply where exposure to firefighting foam is high. Additionally, scientific research has shown that PFAS have the potential to persist in the environment and in the human body for an undetermined length of time, increasing the risk of potential health concerns for firefighters, military personnel, and those with direct AFFF MDL exposure.
How the Ferraro Law Firm Can Help
The Ferraro Law Firm has a national reputation for handling toxic tort lawsuits, including AFFF lawsuits. The lawyers at The Ferraro Law Firm are here to help you navigate this evolving lawsuit, providing you with the guidance and direction you need to ensure your case is handled professionally. To schedule your free consultation, please complete the form and one of our experienced attorneys will quickly be in touch.
Featured Articles
our attorneys
James L. Ferraro
Founding Shareholder & President
Marc P. Kunen
Shareholder
James L. Ferraro, Jr.
Shareholder
Andrew J. Ferraro
Litigation Attorney
Angelica L. Novick
Partner
Daniel J. Di Matteo
Partner
The Hon. Leslie Rothenberg (Ret.)
Partner
Ignacio J. Segurola
Litigation Attorney
Client Experiences
When individuals and families face the challenges of mesothelioma and asbestos exposure—coping with complex treatments, escalating costs, and emotional strain—they turn to Ferraro Law for clarity, guidance, and steadfast support. Through meticulous case preparation, empathetic counsel, and strategic representation, our attorneys build compelling cases that secure meaningful settlements to cover medical expenses, provide financial relief, and offer a path toward stability during difficult times.
Stephanie and all the folks at the Ferraro Law Firm were professional and excellent in handling my case. Even more importantly they were very kind and treated me like family. I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone. Thank Y’all so much.
Matthew F.
Working with Daniel J. Di Matteo, Attorney and Partner at The Ferraro Law Firm was and is a life-changing forever experience. He is committed to a level of professionalism and attention to detail that is at the 100th percentile. Daniel handled everything with calmness, sensitivity and support that I needed through this difficult time. He always protected me and had my best interests. I am completely satisfied with the results.
If you need an attorney that operates at the highest level, that attorney is Daniel J. Di Matteo.
Harvey W.
Ferraro Law is wonderful and I am forever grateful to them. My attorney Daniel Di Matteo fought like a tiger for me against a multibillion dollar corporation and obtained a substantial settlement for me. This settlement is life changing for me. If you need an attorney call Ferraro Law and if you’re lucky Daniel will take your case.
Florence T.
Not too long ago I picked up the phone and called the Ferraro Law Firm not quite knowing what to expect. From the moment I reached out, the team made me feel heard and taken care of — not just like another case walking through the door.
Nikki Hurtado was my first primary contact. After speaking with her I knew that I had picked the right firm. She walked me through the process in plain understandable language. Even after numerous calls, she never made me feel like I was asking too many questions, and I always felt confident that my case was in expert hands.
My litigator was Daniel Di Matteo. If there was ever anyone that you would want by your side in a court of law, it would be him. He was everything that you would want in an attorney—calm, cool, always prepared, communicative and most importantly–experienced. He knew everything that was going to happen before it occurred but was prepared for any contingency. He is a fantastic attorney.
What really set them apart was their communication. I was kept informed at every stage — no chasing down updates, no wondering what was happening with my case. Calls and emails were returned promptly, and they proactively reached out whenever there was a development.
The professionalism of the entire team — from the attorneys to the support staff — was exceptional. Everyone I interacted with was kind, compassionate, and genuinely invested in my well-being, not just the outcome of my case.
And the outcome? Better than I could have hoped for. They fought hard on my behalf and secured a result that truly reflected the impact this injury had on my life.
You could ask for no better firm or attorney.
Keeth K.
Free Case Consultation
Our Trial and Appellate Attorneys Are Ready to Fight for You
If you were seriously injured, remember that it is crucial to choose the right law firm to represent your interests. We have been doing this for more than 40 years, and have the resources you need to challenge any opponent!
