When fighting fire, there is a special foam used to put out fuel-related fires at places like airports, military bases, and factories. It contains harmful chemicals called PFAS that stay in the environment and your body for years. The AFFF, or the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, can lead to serious health problems, including cancer, liver issues, and weakened immunity. This article explains how exposure happens, the health risks, and what to do if you’ve been exposed. If you think you’ve been affected, it’s important to seek legal guidance from the skilled AFFF lawsuit attorneys at Lawsuit Legal News.
What Is AFFF and Where Is It Used?
There is a special and unique type of foam used to put out fires caused by flammable liquids like gasoline or oil, which is the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam. Firefighters use AFFF because water alone cannot stop these types of fires. AFFF is most often used at airports, military bases, oil refineries, chemical plants, and by fire departments. People who work in these places, such as firefighters, airport staff, and military personnel, are most likely to use or be around AFFF.
Immediate Symptoms and Long-Term Health Risks of AFFF Exposure
When people are exposed to AFFF, there are many short-term effects like trouble breathing, coughing, and stomach problems like nausea or vomiting. These symptoms often come quickly after contact with AFFF foam, especially through the skin, inhalation, or contaminated food/water.
There are also some long-term risks involved and serious health problems from PFAS chemicals in AFFF that build up in the body over the years. These chemicals are linked to cancers and also cause liver/kidney damage, weakened immunity, thyroid disease, and reproductive issues, so early medical help is critical for both immediate relief and long-term monitoring.
What Should You Do If You Think You’ve Been Exposed?
If you think you have been exposed to AFFF, it is best to go see a doctor as soon as possible. Tell your doctor about your exposure and any symptoms you have, like trouble breathing or skin irritation. Also, always keep a record of your symptoms and when they started, and save any work records that show you were around AFFF. Getting some early medical care can help you find health problems sooner and may improve the outcome. It is also important to gather your medical records and exposure history in case you need to file a legal claim later.
Legal Options for AFFF Exposure Victims
If you get sick from AFFF, you can sue for money to cover medical bills, lost pay, or pain. How much you get depends on your illness and how much you were exposed. Payments can be $20,000 to over $1 million, especially for cancer. To start, gather proof like work records, medical papers, and details about your health. A lawyer can help you collect this and file your case, as well as increase your chances of fair payment.
Conclusion
AFFF exposure can lead to serious health problems, so it is always better to be safe when in contact with this harmful foam. If you were exposed, act fast: see a doctor, track symptoms, and keep records. Legal help is available for those harmed by AFFF, with compensation possible for the damage caused.
