States Push Back Against Harmful AFFF Chemicals, Mass AFFF Lawsuit Ramps Up

More and more Houstonians are becoming aware of the dangers of AFFF chemicals by the day. With the recent filing of over three thousand AFFF claims in court and multidistrict litigation heating up, the fight between firefighting foam chemical company producer giants and average Americans is now in the public’s eye on display.

Most Houstonians and Americans are now aware that AFFF, or aqueous film forming foam, is chock full of harmful chemicals, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances called PFAS. This foam was and has been used by firefighters since the 1960s to put out liquid-based fires, such as those that started with oil or another liquid flammable substance. Coupled with the use of AFFF to put out fires, average Americans have been exposed to the harmful chemicals in AFFF through public water supplies and through exposure from AFFF use in drills and systems checks around firefighting training areas and airports. AFFF exposure has been linked to cancers, such as bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, and other dangerous cancers, reproductive issues, and reduced immune systems.

State Laws Regarding the Use of AFFFs

To combat the clear and present dangers of AFFF to humans, many states have already established laws limiting the use of AFFFs within their borders.  Currently over 20 states, including California, Georgia, New York, Arizona, Kentucky, Vermont, Michigan, Ohio, and Washington State have measures that at least require AFFF data collection, with some states even virtually banning FAAA altogether. For example, since 2018, Washington State has banned the manufacture, sales, and use of AFFF, even for fire training. Washington State still allows AFFF for the very narrow and limited purposes of responding to emergencies and emergency fire situations, if required, until an alternative substance is found. In addition, Washington State is in the process of developing an AFFF collection and disposal program. Other states already have or are developing “take-back”-type firefighting foam programs, such as Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland.

AFFF, Your Health, and Legal Help for AFFF Victims

If you or a loved one has been exposed to AFFF and you developed a serious illness, such as cancer, as a result, it is important to find out about your legal rights and options. Thousands of individuals have already filed lawsuits against AFFF companies to get compensation due for their injuries caused by exposure to PFAs. If you are in the Houston area, the first thing to do is to speak to a skilled and experienced Houston mass tort lawyer about your AFFF story and your condition to learn about your rights and options. The experienced Houston mass tort lawyers at the Gilde Law Firm offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your AFFF case and to see if they can help you get justice against the AFFF companies responsible for your injuries. Contact the Gilde Law firm today and speak to a lawyer about your AFFF case for free.