Firefighting Foam (AFFF) Cancer Lawsuits

Updated October 2026

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) was used for decades to fight fuel fires at airports, military bases and fire stations. It contains PFAS, the “forever chemicals” that build up in the body and have been linked to several cancers and diseases.

Lawsuits allege that 3M, DuPont, Chemours and other manufacturers knew about the risks and kept selling the foam.

Where the Litigation Stands

• Case: In re: Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2873, U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, before Judge Richard M. Gergel.
• Size: more than 15,000 cases were pending as of October 1, 2026.
• Status: the court is working through expert challenges for thyroid and liver cancer claims and selecting thyroid disease and ulcerative colitis test cases. No personal injury settlement has been announced.

Who May Qualify

• Firefighters, including municipal, airport, industrial and wildland crews who used or trained with foam
• Military service members and civilian base workers
• People whose drinking water was contaminated by AFFF

Illnesses Covered

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Liver cancer
• Ulcerative colitis
• Thyroid disease

Why Records Matter Early

The court requires new plaintiffs to provide proof of diagnosis, proof of exposure, medical records and expert reports within a few months of filing. Gathering your records now makes the case stronger.

• Diagnosis and treatment records
• Employment or military records showing foam use or base assignments
• Past addresses and water provider, for drinking water exposure

Frequently Asked Questions

I am a retired firefighter. Can I still bring a claim?

Yes, if you have a covered diagnosis. Many claimants are retired.

Does a workers’ compensation claim stop this lawsuit?

No. A product claim against the foam manufacturers is separate from workers’ compensation.

Is there a deadline?

Yes. Deadlines usually run from when you learned of the illness and its possible link to PFAS. Ask soon.