JULY NEWSLETTER

The Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam Lawsuits Keep Piling Up

To date, thousands of lawsuits concerning aqueous film-forming foam (“AFFF”) have been filed in United States courts. Plaintiffs in these cases allege that they are suffering from devastating illnesses following exposure to toxic chemicals in the foam, which is used to fight fires in miliary and civilian settings. If you are a firefighter who used AFFF and were subsequently diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, Van Law Firm may be able to help. Keep reading to learn more.

What You Should Know In Order To Make an AFFF Injury Claim

What is Aqueous Film-Forming Foam?

To put it simply, AFFF is a type of spray used to fight certain fires. Specifically, civilian and miliary firefighters use it to combat water-resistant fires. In many cases, these are so-called flammable liquid fires, involving crude oil and similar fluid. AFFF is especially effective at combatting these fires because it covers the fuel involved in the fire while cooling the actual fire. It also prevents reignition by delivering  a film that keeps oxygen from reaching the fuel.

For those reasons, aqueous film-forming foam is most commonly found for use in the following settings:

Which toxic compounds or substances are found in AFFF?

According to the U.S. Fire Administration,  AFFF may contain certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are generally classified as  a large group of man-made chemical compounds. As such, they are  found in numerous  consumer products including but not limited to nonstick products.  The PFAS compounds linked to  AFFF are perfluorooctane acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).

As the U.S. Fire Administration also notes, some PFAS can build up  and remain in the human body for a long time. This accumulation happens when someone experiences prolonged exposure to significant concentrations  of  PFAS/PFOA/PFOS, and is believed to cause serious illness.

What disease and condition are tied to AFFF?

Experts have tied the PFAS found in aqueous film-forming foam to maladies such as bladder cancer, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer and other cancers.

Several large U.S. companies make  AFFF

With all of that being stated, one critical question remains. Who is responsible for making and selling the aqueous film-forming foam that allegedly contains these harmful chemicals?

AFFF isn’t new. In fact, its history dates to the early 1960s. Since then, several large U.S. companies have made AFFF available for use in relevant civilian and military applications. Of those, DuPont and 3M are probably the best known. Others include National Foam, Chemguard and Tyco (under the brand name Ansul).

Options for legal recourse including AFFF lawsuits

If you were diagnosed with a serious or life-threatening illness after prolonged exposure to AFFF in a civilian or military capacity, you may be able to pursue legal recourse.

First, you may be entitled to compensation from the manufactures for the legal damages and financial losses you have suffered due to AFFF-related illnesses. Plaintiffs in AFFF lawsuits have historically claimed that the companies that make, market, distribute and sell aqueous film-forming foam claim knew or should have known that it contains PFAS; and that these toxic PFAs cause cancer.  They have also alleged that defendants knew or should have known that these PFAs in AFFF can remain in the human body and cause serious ailments.  Finally, plaintiffs have claimed that defendants failed to warn the public about the health hazards posed by aqueous film-forming foam containing PFAs.

Additionally, if you are a current or past member of the U.S. armed forces in this situation, you may be eligible for disability benefits administered through the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Obtaining them will not necessarily be easy, however. This is because the Department of Veterans Affairs “does not recognize any conditions as presumptively caused by PFAS exposure.”

Contact Van Law Firm for help filing your AFFF lawsuit today

If you are a civilian or military firefighter, or you have worked in any other capacity where you were exposed to AFFF and you are now suffering from a related illness, Van Law Firm may be able to help. At your initial consultation, we will gather relevant information and assess your situation. Based on our findings, we will review your options for legal recourse.

If we find that you have a viable case, our experienced AFFF litigators will do their best to help you secure compensation for any physical, emotional and financial harm you have incurred. Don’t leave anything to chance. Contact us today.

Summer Salad Recipe

Corn and Blueberry Salad

Looking for a good summer salad? Enjoy flavor with this refreshing Corn and Blueberry Salad. Sweet corn kernels mingle with juicy blueberries, crisp cucumber, and a hint of spicy jalapeño for a burst of taste sensations.

Directions

In Dutch oven bring salted water to boiling. Add corn. Cook, covered, 5 minutes, or until tender. When cool enough to handle, cut corn from cobs.

In a serving bowl combine corn, blueberries, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. For dressing, in screw-top jar combine lime juice, oil, honey, cumin, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Cover; shake well to combine. Add to salad; toss. Cover and refrigerate overnight (up to 24 hours). Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Summer Safety Tips

Keeping Kids Safe and Cool:
Essential Water Safety Tips and Cooling Strategies

As summer temperatures rise, families flock to pools, beaches, and other water bodies to beat the heat. While these activities can be fun and refreshing, it’s crucial to prioritize safety, especially for children. Here are some essential water and pool safety tips for kids, along with effective ways to stay cool during hot weather.

Water and Pool Safety for Kids

1. Supervision is Key

• Always have an adult supervise children when they are in or around water. Even if they know how to swim, an adult should be present and attentive at all times.
• Designate a “Water Watcher” who focuses solely on watching the children, without distractions like phones or books.

2. Swimming Lessons

• Enroll children in swimming lessons to teach them how to swim and understand basic water safety rules. Knowing how to float, tread water, and swim to the edge can be lifesaving skills.
• Encourage children to swim in designated areas where lifeguards are present.

3. Use of Life Jackets

• Ensure that children wear properly fitting life jackets, especially when they are in natural bodies of water, on boats, or when they are not confident swimmers.
• Avoid relying on inflatable toys or rafts as they are not substitutes for life jackets.

4. Secure the Pool Area

• Install barriers around the pool, such as fences with self-closing and self-latching gates, to prevent unsupervised access by children.
• Keep the pool area clear of toys and other objects that might attract children.

5. Emergency Preparedness

• Teach children never to swim alone and always to have a buddy with them.
• Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills. Being prepared can make a significant difference in an emergency.

6. Set Clear Rules

• Establish and enforce safety rules such as no running near the pool, no diving in shallow water, and staying away from pool drains and pipes.
• Ensure children understand and follow these rules at all times.

2. Seek Shade and Rest

• During the hottest parts of the day, find shade or stay indoors to avoid direct sun exposure.
• Take frequent breaks if engaging in outdoor activities to prevent overheating.

3. Cool Showers or Baths

• Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
• Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down your body, especially on pulse points like wrists and neck, to cool down quickly.

4. Use Fans and Air Conditioning

• Utilize fans or air conditioning to create a cool environment indoors. This can be particularly helpful during heatwaves.
• Visit public places such as libraries, shopping malls, or community centers if your home becomes too hot.

5. Wear Light Clothing

• Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to stay cool. Dark colors can absorb heat and make you feel hotter.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing hats and sunglasses when outdoors.

6. Enjoy Water Play

• Engage in fun water activities like running through sprinklers, using a kiddie pool, or having a water balloon fight. These activities can be both fun and cooling.
• Plan outdoor activities for the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.

Conclusion
By following these water and pool safety tips, you can ensure that your children have a fun and safe time while enjoying water activities. Additionally, implementing effective cooling strategies will help everyone stay comfortable during the hot summer months. Prioritizing safety and comfort can make summer both enjoyable and safe for the entire family.