If you’ve ever watched firefighters battle a massive blaze, you’ve likely seen thick white foam covering the ground. That foam, known as AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam), has been used for decades to put out fuel fires at airports, military bases, and industrial sites. It’s praised for its ability to stop fires quickly and save lives. But what many people don’t know is that this firefighting foam might be causing more harm than good in the long run.
Over the years, scientists and health experts have raised serious concerns about the long-term health effects of being exposed to AFFF. This foam contains harmful chemicals called PFAS—sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment or in our bodies.
As new research and AFFF lawsuit updates continue to surface, it’s becoming clear that the risks tied to this foam are far greater than we once thought.
What Is AFFF and Why Was It Used?
AFFF stands for Aqueous Film-Forming Foam. It’s a specialized type of foam used to put out flammable liquid fires, such as fuel or oil. It works by creating a film over the surface of the liquid, which blocks oxygen and stops the fire from spreading.
For decades, AFFF has been the go-to solution for firefighters at airports, military bases, and chemical plants. It was considered highly effective and a necessary tool for dealing with dangerous fires.
But AFFF isn’t just water and soap. It contains a group of man-made chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals are highly resistant to heat, water, and oil, which is great for fighting fires—but terrible for our health and the environment.
Health Problems Linked to Long-Term Exposure
People who are regularly exposed to AFFF, especially through their jobs, are now facing serious health concerns. PFAS chemicals don’t leave the body easily. Once they enter your system, they tend to stay there for a very long time.
Studies have linked PFAS exposure to a wide range of health problems, including:
- Kidney and testicular cancer
- Liver damage
- High cholesterol
- Thyroid disease
- Immune system problems
- Developmental issues in children
These health risks aren’t just for those who sprayed the foam. Anyone who worked in areas where AFFF was used, handled contaminated gear, or drank water near contaminated sites may have been affected.
Environmental Impact
Aside from health risks, PFAS contamination has had a lasting effect on the environment. These chemicals can seep into the soil and water, polluting local water supplies. Some communities near military bases and airports have found unsafe levels of PFAS in their drinking water, leading to long-term environmental cleanup efforts.
Because PFAS don’t break down easily, they can stay in water and soil for decades. This means that even after the foam is no longer in use, the chemicals continue to harm ecosystems and pose risks to human health.
Growing Awareness and Legal Action
As awareness of AFFF’s dangers has grown, so has the number of lawsuits filed by people who believe they were harmed by long-term exposure. These legal cases are helping bring attention to the issue and push for safer alternatives.
In recent years, several manufacturers of AFFF have faced legal pressure for failing to warn users about the potential dangers. These lawsuits have also led to deeper investigations, more scientific studies, and policy changes aimed at reducing PFAS exposure.
Final Thoughts
AFFF firefighting foam may have saved lives in emergency situations, but its long-term effects can’t be ignored. If you or someone you know worked with AFFF regularly, it’s worth learning more about the risks and taking steps to monitor your health.
Awareness is the first step toward safety. By staying informed and understanding the potential dangers, we can help protect ourselves and future generations from the hidden risks of PFAS chemicals.
By: Chris Bates
