Firefighter Foam Lawsuit: First Trial Focuses on PFAS Link to Kidney Cancer

Are you a firefighter, military personnel, or resident exposed to firefighting foam and diagnosed with kidney cancer? You may be entitled to compensation. Recent legal developments highlight the growing concern over the link between firefighting foam, PFAS exposure, and kidney cancer, with the first trials focusing specifically on this connection. As of May 2025, over 9,342 claims have been consolidated in the AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) multidistrict litigation (MDL).

The Growing Concern: PFAS and AFFF

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) has been widely used since the 1960s to extinguish flammable liquid fires, particularly in military, aviation, and firefighting settings. The danger lies in its composition: AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human body. These chemicals don’t break down naturally and can remain in human tissues for years, leading to chronic health effects.

The Kidney Cancer Connection

Scientific research has increasingly linked PFAS exposure to a higher risk of kidney cancer. Studies show a significant association between exposure to PFAS, especially PFOA, and an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma, the most common form of kidney cancer. The kidney’s role in filtering and eliminating substances from the body may cause it to accumulate these chemicals, leading to potential damage and increased cancer risk.

The C8 Health Project: This comprehensive study tracked over 69,000 residents near a DuPont facility in West Virginia and found a clear association between high levels of PFOA in drinking water and increased kidney cancer incidence.
Studies in Military Populations: Research on military personnel stationed at contaminated bases has shown elevated rates of kidney cancer compared to the general population, highlighting the role of AFFF in contaminating water supplies.
The Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch (OEEB): Conducted a case-control study that verified the risk of kidney cancer in relation to serum PFAS concentrations. The findings suggested an increased risk of kidney cancer with higher exposure to PFAS.

Who is at Risk?

Several groups face a higher risk of PFAS exposure and subsequent kidney cancer:

Firefighters: Firefighters face the highest risks due to their frequent exposure to AFFF in the line of duty. They come into direct contact with AFFF, breathe in vapors, and absorb chemicals through the skin.
Military Personnel: Military bases across the country are among the hardest-hit areas regarding PFAS contamination. AFFF was used extensively in training exercises, firefighting operations, and emergency response drills, leading to contaminated drinking water for military families and veterans.
Industrial Workers: Workers in chemical plants producing PFAS or using PFAS in manufacturing processes are also at increased risk.
Residents Near Contaminated Sites: Individuals living near military bases, industrial facilities, or areas with AFFF contamination in the water supply may have been exposed to dangerous levels of PFAS.

Understanding the Legal Landscape: AFFF Lawsuits

Recognizing the severe health consequences of PFAS exposure, individuals diagnosed with kidney cancer and other related illnesses are filing AFFF lawsuits against chemical manufacturers like 3M and DuPont. These lawsuits allege that the manufacturers knew about the dangers of PFAS but continued to produce and sell AFFF without warning the public.

Key Points of the AFFF Lawsuits:

Multi-District Litigation (MDL): Thousands of cases have been consolidated into an MDL in South Carolina, streamlining the legal process and accelerating the path to potential settlements.
Bellwether Trials: The first bellwether trial is scheduled for October 20, 2025, and will focus exclusively on kidney cancer claims. These trials will set the stage for future settlements and verdicts in other AFFF cases.
Settlements: Several settlements have already been reached with companies involved in PFAS contamination, including a $1.185 billion settlement from DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva and a $730 million settlement from Carrier Global. These settlements provide funds for water cleanup and compensation for affected individuals.

What are your Legal Options?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with kidney cancer after exposure to AFFF, it’s crucial to understand your legal options:

Consult with an AFFF Lawyer: An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process.
Gather Evidence: Collect medical records, employment history, and any documentation that proves your exposure to AFFF.
File a Lawsuit: Your attorney can help you file a lawsuit against the responsible parties, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Join the MDL: Joining the AFFF MDL can strengthen your case and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

What Compensation Can You Receive?

Plaintiffs in a PFAS kidney cancer lawsuit can seek compensation for:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Punitive damages (in some cases)

The amount of compensation will depend on the specific circumstances of each case, including the severity of the illness, the extent of exposure, and the strength of the evidence.

Taking Action: Protecting Your Health and Your Rights

The link between firefighter foam, PFAS, and kidney cancer is a serious concern that demands immediate attention. If you believe you have been exposed to AFFF and diagnosed with kidney cancer, taking swift action is essential. Contact an experienced AFFF lawyer to discuss your legal options and protect your rights. By pursuing legal action, you can seek the compensation you deserve and hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence.

Do you have questions about your legal rights? Contact our AFFF firefighting foam lawyers today for a free consultation.