Toxic chemicals known as PFAS chemicals have sparked a growing wave of legal action across the United States. As new evidence links these “forever chemicals” to a range of life-threatening health risks , including cancer , thousands of affected individuals are stepping forward to hold chemical manufacturers and chemical companies accountable.
At the center of this legal battle is the Aqueous Film Forming Foam, a fire suppression product used widely by the military personnel, airports, and fire departments. This foam contains high levels of PFAS chemicals, which do not break down in the environment and can remain in the human body for years. As class action lawsuits and Mass tort filings increase, it’s essential for affected individuals to understand their rights, risks, and potential eligibility for compensation.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They Dangerous?
PFAS chemicals stand for Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances , a group of synthetic chemicals engineered to resist heat, grease, oil, and water. These properties have made PFAS useful in a range of products, from nonstick cookware and waterproof clothing to electronics and firefighting foam.
Unfortunately, this chemical resilience also means PFAS chemicals do not degrade naturally. Instead, they accumulate in the environment and the human body, leading to long-term health risks. When used in fire suppression systems or released through industrial facilities, PFAS often contaminates local soil and water supplies, putting entire communities at risk.
AFFF Firefighting Foam and PFAS Exposure
AFFF firefighting foam has been a standard tool for controlling flammable liquid fires , such as gasoline or jet fuel , for decades. But this effectiveness came with a cost. The foam contains high levels of PFAS chemicals, and its use during training exercises and emergency response has led to widespread groundwater contamination.
Military bases, firefighting training facilities, and industrial facilities across the country are now being identified as major PFAS hotspots. The repeated use of AFFF firefighting foam in these locations has polluted nearby drinking water, leading to prolonged exposure for both workers and residents.
Health Effects of PFAS Exposure
Decades of scientific research have linked PFAS chemicals exposure to a range of serious health risks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other studies suggest PFAS may cause:
- Reproductive and fertility issues
- Hormonal disruption
- Developmental delays in children
- Immune system suppression
- Elevated cholesterol levels
- Organ damage over time
Most alarmingly, PFAS chemicals have been linked to several forms of cancer, including:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Liver cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Colorectal Cancer
- Ulcerative colitis
Firefighters: On the Frontline of Exposure
Among those most heavily impacted are military personnel and civilian firefighters. Many spent years working with AFFF firefighting foam as part of routine emergency responses and training. This regular use placed them at increased risk of PFAS chemicals-related illnesses, especially kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and thyroid disease.
Even as departments phase out AFFF and seek fluorine-free foams, the effects of earlier exposure remain. Many retired and active personnel are now pursuing legal action after being diagnosed with conditions believed to be linked to firefighting foam.
PFAS Contamination on U.S. Military Bases
Military bases have played a significant role in PFAS chemicals contamination nationwide. For over 50 years, the Department of Defense required the use of AFFF firefighting foam for training and operations. This repeated use has left groundwater contamination and soil heavily polluted.
Contaminated sites include:
- Naval Air Station Jacksonville
- Wurtsmith AFB, Pease AFB, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
- Naval Station Norfolk
Anyone who lived or worked near these contaminated sites may have consumed contaminated drinking water for years and could qualify for compensation.
AFFF Lawsuit and PFAS MDL Updates – July 2025
As of July 2025, over 11,000 cases have been filed in the multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for South Carolina. The MDL now includes both AFFF lawsuits and non-AFFF PFAS-contaminated drinking water claims.
The first Bellwether trial is set for October 20, 2025, and will play a major role in shaping the settlement fund and values for plaintiffs. The court is preparing a matrix that considers:
- Type of illness (e.g. kidney cancer, thyroid disease)
- Exposure history (e.g. firefighting training facilities, drinking water)
- Diagnosis date and latency
Who Qualifies for a PFAS Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a class action lawsuit or individual personal injury claim if:
- You worked with or near firefighting foam
- You lived on or near military bases, airports, or industrial facilities with contaminated drinking water
- You were diagnosed with:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Liver cancer
- Thyroid Cancer or thyroid disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Other qualifying conditions
- Kidney cancer
In some cases, families pursuing wrongful death claims may also be eligible.
Take Action with Ted Law
If you or a loved one has suffered from PFAS chemical exposure due to AFFF firefighting foam or contaminated drinking water, the time to act is now. You may be eligible to join the AFFF lawsuit or file an individual claim through multidistrict litigation. Deadlines apply, and potential compensation depends on the timing of exposure, the nature of your illness, and the type of contamination involved .Let Ted Law help you understand your rights with clarity and care.
About Ted Law
Ted Law Firm, is dedicated to standing with individuals and families harmed by environmental exposure to hazardous substances like PFAS chemicals. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. With the legal landscape evolving in major cases like the AFFF lawsuit, the firm supports those impacted by fire suppression products and groundwater contamination in their pursuit of justice. Contact us today for a free consultation
