AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam)

AFFF, or aqueous film-forming foam, is a firefighting foam designed to smother flammable liquid fires by spreading a thin film over the fuel. It has been used for decades by the military, airports, fire departments, and industrial sites. Many AFFF products were made with PFAS chemicals such as PFOA and PFOS, which do not break down and can seep into soil and groundwater wherever the foam is used in training or emergencies.

Federal lawsuits over the foam are consolidated as MDL No. 2873 in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, before Judge Richard M. Gergel. The court reports that the MDL has had approximately 10,000 or more associated cases opened, comprising tens of thousands of plaintiffs, who allege AFFF containing PFOA or PFOS contaminated groundwater near military bases, airports, and industrial sites. Claims include personal injury, medical monitoring, property damage, and costs to water systems.

The water utility claims have produced major settlements. 3M received final court approval in 2024 for a settlement with public water suppliers valued at more than $10 billion, and DuPont-related companies agreed to a separate settlement with water systems. Personal injury claims, from firefighters, military members, and residents alleging cancers such as kidney and testicular cancer and other diseases, are proceeding separately and are only allegations until resolved.

A claim typically requires proof of exposure (such as firefighting work history or living near a contaminated site) and a qualifying diagnosis. See our AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit page, PFAS water contamination, and the PFAS entry.