The AFFF firefighting foam is the subject of several lawsuits. The city of san jose, for example, alleges that the firefighting foam has contaminated its water supply. It is suing 3M and other manufacturers for damages. A trial date has been set for June 5, 2023, with dispositive pre-trial motions due on February 3, 2023.
PFAS
A growing number of people have been diagnosed with cancer after years of exposure to AFFF firefighting foam. Those affected are seeking compensation from the manufacturers of these toxic chemicals. In many cases, the manufacturers were aware of the dangers of PFAS but failed to warn the public. If you are affected by PFAS-based firefighting foam, contact an attorney right away to learn more. The sooner you start the lawsuit process, the better.
The city of San Jose, California, has filed a lawsuit against 3M and other manufacturers of firefighting foam after it found PFAS in its water supply. This lawsuit alleges that the PFAS in the firefighting foam contaminated the municipal water supply, and is seeking damages to cover the cost of cleaning the water supply.
PFOS
The first class action lawsuit relating to the toxicity of PFAS, or polychlorinated biphenyls, has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina against six manufacturers of AFFF. The companies were found to have manufactured or sold AFFF that contained the contaminants PFOS and PFOA. These chemicals were widely used by the U.S. military, including two military bases in Pennsylvania.
Currently, the AFFF MDL is ongoing and has been in progress for over a decade. The first bellwether test trial case is expected to be selected in December 2022, and will begin in April 2023. If the case goes well, the result could lead to a global settlement.
PFOA
In recent years, the public has become aware of the health risks posed by PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals have been linked to a number of cancers, including kidney, bladder, and prostate cancer. They have also been linked to an increased risk of thyroid problems. Many of these toxic chemicals are still in use today, but you may be able to pursue a lawsuit to hold the companies responsible for their negligence.
These chemicals have caused health issues in both those who use them on a daily basis and those who are not. These chemicals can be found in the ground and in waterways near factories that use them.
AFFF lawsuits
Hundreds of thousands of individuals are filing AFFF lawsuits in an effort to hold manufacturers responsible for the cancer-causing properties of AFFF. Many of these plaintiffs claim that their exposure to AFFF products led to the development of cancer and other health problems, which occurred over decades. Moreover, some plaintiffs claim that they had symptoms of cancer before they began working with or around these products. The companies responsible for manufacturing AFFF are being sued in these cases, as are various states and counties.
The legal team that represents you in an AFFF lawsuit will start by gathering evidence. The lawyers will ask you questions about your work history and your medical history. They will want to know how long you have been employed with each employer. This will help them determine which AFFF manufacturers are responsible for your symptoms and how they’ve affected your life.
PFAS chemicals in AFFF
In the wake of the massive environmental damage caused by PFAS chemicals in AFFF fire fighting foam, the military and other major users have begun to look at alternatives. A new program, called GreenScreen, helps purchasers of chemical products conduct risk assessments of individual chemicals. This program has been launched in Washington State, which is leading the way by phasing out PFAS chemicals from firefighting foams.
PFAS chemicals are highly toxic and persist in the environment. In fact, they are not biodegradable. They stay in the human body for years. Some PFAS chemicals have been linked to hormone disruption, reduced fertility, weakened immune system responses, and increased cancer risk.
PFAS in groundwater
More than 900 firefighting foam lawsuits have been filed in federal court in South Carolina. They seek compensation for physical injuries, medical monitoring, property damage, and economic losses caused by the exposure to PFAS chemicals in firefighting foams. In addition, the lawsuits seek to hold manufacturers and suppliers responsible for the contaminated groundwater.
In 2018, there were 75 class-action lawsuits filed against 3M. The plaintiffs argued that the chemicals contaminated their drinking water and caused them harm. They argued that 3M knew the chemicals were dangerous and failed to do its part to protect the public. The lawsuit states that thousands of Americans were exposed to the chemicals through the contaminated groundwater.