We’ve all watched firefighters on duty, extinguishing risky flames. While the sight might appear to be heroic, there are hidden dangers they face. These brave individuals diffuse liquid fires using AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam), or firefighting foam, which is the root cause of their health hazards.
This toxic foam contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are linked to multiple diseases, from cancer to a disrupted immune system. It’s because the foam doesn’t break down, it remains in the environment and the human body, causing damage to both. Studies have found a 56% rise in thyroid cancer risk in people who have increased levels of PFAS in their blood.
That aside, recently, this foam has been linked with T-cell lymphoma. We will discuss this here and will also shed light on how to seek legal compensation.
AFFF Exposure and T-Cell Lymphoma: Is There a Link?
There are innumerable anecdotal accounts of firefighters suffering from AFFF exposure. The story of Mark Hernandez is a rather tragic one. In May 2024, AboutLawsuits.com reported this account as shared by his wife, Elizabeth Hernandez. She said her husband suffered from angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and filed an AFFF lawsuit against 3M Company.
Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is a rare kind of NHL (non-Hodgkin lymphoma). It’s a type of blood cancer that hurts the lymphocytes, or white blood cells. The treatment options include chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, steroids, and targeted cancer medicines.
Mark lost his life in September 2023 from this rare cancer caused by the chemicals contained in the firefighter foam. Elizabeth stated in her lawsuit that Mark was exposed to these harsh chemicals during his career as a firefighter at the Kenton County Airport. She asserts that all through his service years he took part in firefighting and routine training activities, where he inhaled AFFF and other poisonous chemicals.
Mark was diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma in November 2021. The lawsuit stated that his company never notified him about the severe health hazards of AFFF exposure during his working tenure. After the diagnosis, he was on chemotherapy, which continued until his death.
Today, Hernandez’s complaint is part of other AFFF exposure lawsuits being filed by firefighters. Even people who reside close to airports and military bases and have suffered after getting exposed to this hazardous foam can file a lawsuit. The foam has been linked with kidney, testicular, and liver cancer, and various other injuries.
The Current State of AFFF Lawsuits
Today, most AFFF lawsuits are centralized before Judge Richard M. Gergel for pretrial proceedings, coordinated discovery, and a set of initial bellwether trials. Apart from legal complaints by firefighters, the manufacturers also faced AFFF water provider lawsuits by states, cities, and municipalities across the nation. Most were seeking compensation for the expense of eliminating poisonous chemicals from local water supplies.
3M Company, in June 2023, paid more than $12.5 billion to settle an AFFF water contamination lawsuit. The objective was to resolve the claims from the local water suppliers. It carries a ray of hope that firefighters and others affected by the AFFF can file a legal complaint and expect to be compensated for their losses. But there is a need for professional assistance here.
Navigating the Legal Path
If you feel that you have developed angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma or any other fatal disease because of AFFF exposure, get a medical diagnosis. Once you have relevant medical data, walking the legal path becomes slightly easier. But don’t tackle everything alone.
TruLaw states that victims must consult a lawyer and share their case details with them. An expert lawyer will study the details you share and determine your eligibility to file a lawsuit. They will also use the vital pieces of evidence you share to build a strong case and ensure you receive the compensatory amount. You can use this money to cover the expenses of cancer care and the ongoing medical treatment you need.
The legal compensation also helps to cover the loss of income and any other pain and suffering that you’ve endured. Not all victims will receive the same settlement payout amount. It will vary based on your degree of suffering and case details. However, it is necessary to abide by the guidelines your lawyer shares, so that you receive the compensation on time.
In conclusion, AFFF exposure has been affecting firefighters and other individuals across the world. From cancers of various kinds to hormonal disorders, the health hazards are many. In recent times, the foam has been lined with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, as in Mark’s case. Therefore, if you’ve suffered from this disease or any other life-threatening health condition because of firefighter foam exposure, seek both medical and legal assistance.