What Is AFFF Firefighting Foam?
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam designed to quickly suppress high-intensity
fuel fires, especially at airports, military bases, refineries, and industrial facilities.
Many AFFF formulations historically contained PFAS chemicals (often referred to as “forever chemicals”)
because they persist in the environment and can accumulate over time.
AFFF lawsuits typically involve allegations that PFAS from firefighting foam contaminated drinking
water and the surrounding environment, and that manufacturers and suppliers failed to adequately warn
about risks associated with PFAS exposure.
Background:
PFAS have been used in AFFF for decades because they help foam spread and resist heat.
When foam is used in training exercises, emergency response, or equipment testing, PFAS can enter soil
and groundwater and may impact nearby drinking water sources.
In the United States, thousands of PFAS-related cases—including AFFF firefighting foam claims—have been
coordinated in federal court as multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2873) in the District of South Carolina.
The MDL includes claims by public water systems and individuals seeking compensation for alleged harm.
About AFFF Firefighting Foam–Related Claims
AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits generally allege that PFAS-containing foam products contributed to
contamination and related damages, including the costs of testing and treatment for water systems and,
in some cases, personal injury claims. These cases often focus on what companies knew about PFAS risks
and whether adequate warnings and safer alternatives were provided.
Important: We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. We help individuals
understand the general claims process, organize intake information, and (if requested) connect them with
independent attorneys for legal guidance.
The following are common legal allegations discussed in AFFF firefighting foam–related litigation and are provided for general informational purposes only.
Failure to Warn
Negligence
Product Liability
Potential Health Concerns Alleged in AFFF (PFAS) Claims
AFFF cases commonly involve PFAS exposure concerns. Public health resources note that PFAS exposure has been associated in some studies with increased risks of certain cancers (commonly including kidney and testicular cancer) and other health impacts, though research is ongoing and findings can vary by PFAS type, exposure level, and population.
AFFF Firefighting Foam Litigation Update
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MDL Coordination (Federal Court): AFFF cases have been coordinated as MDL No. 2873 in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina for pretrial proceedings, including claims involving PFAS from firefighting foam and related contamination.
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Major Water-System Settlements (3M): 3M reached a multi-billion-dollar settlement to resolve many PFAS drinking-water claims by public water systems, with court approval reported and payments structured over multiple years.
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Water-System Settlements (DuPont / Chemours / Corteva): Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva announced a $1.185 billion settlement framework for U.S. public water systems, and court approvals have been reported in the MDL proceedings.
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Additional Settlements (Tyco / BASF): Additional PFAS/AFFF-related class settlements for public water systems have been announced, including a $750 million agreement involving Tyco Fire Products and a $316.5 million settlement involving BASF, each reported as part of the broader PFAS water contamination litigation landscape.
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