A newly filed lawsuit claims toxic chemicals in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) caused a Texas firefighter to develop skin cancer. This product liability lawsuit joins hundreds of others from across the nation, each raising similar allegations that firefighting foam manufacturers failed to warn the public about the cancer risks of using their foams.

Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina on October 5, Gilbert Gonzalez’s claim indicates he was directly exposed to toxic AFFF during his firefighting career. Gonzalez indicates he used firefighting foam during training exercises and while fighting actual fires in Benavides, TX.

Since the 1950’s AFFF manufacturers have added called per- and polyfluroalkyl substances (PFAS) to their foams. PFAS are man-made chemicals designed to resist heat, oil, water, and grease, making them ideal for Class B firefighting foams.

However, recent studies uncovered PFAS can build up inside of the body and never break down. This accumulation of PFAS can cause severe health risks, including cancer. Studies conducted by the U.S> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate PFAS primarily settle in the kidney, liver, and blood.

Firefighting foam lawsuits across the nation call out numerous AFFF manufactures for creating unreasonably dangerous foam, including 3M Company, Chemguard, Inc., and Du Pont Kidde, among others. These product liability lawsuits assert AFFF manufacturers withheld the health risks of PFAS in their foam for decades.

“Exposure to Defendants’ AFFF has been linked to serious medical conditions, including, but not limited to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver cancer, testicular tumors, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, bladder cancer, thyroid disease and infertility,” Gonzalez indicates through his complaint.

Due to the increasing lawsuits and allegations against AFFF manufactures, all federal firefighting foam lawsuits have been centralized as part of a multidistrict litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina.

Were You Exposed to Toxic Firefighting Foam?

If you were regularly exposed to AFFF and diagnosed with cancer, you may be eligible to file a claim for your injuries. Allegations across the nation say firefighting foam manufactures blatantly failed to protect public health from PFAS, and their negligence should not go unchecked. By filing a product liability claim, you not only may be able to hold AFFF manufacturers accountable for their actions but reclaim compensation to help you recover from your injuries.

At the McGartladn Law Firm, we advocate aggressively for victims of product liability so you have the compensation you need to heal and recover. To speak with an attorney today about your case, contact the personal injury lawyers at the McGartland Law Firm today for your free case consultation. We are here to answer any questions and concerns and to help you reach the legal help you deserve.