AFFF Contamination in New York

What is AFFF?

Aqueous Film Forming Foam – AFFF – is a firefighting foam used to fight petroleum-based fires for over half a century. AFFF is usually found in airports, military bases, and many other places where large oil fires are a serious risk.

How is AFFF Contaminating People and the Environment?

The main chemical components are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). AFFF has two PFAS chemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). When AFFF is used on a fire (or a test), the residual foam gets into the surrounding environment and washed into the drains which eventually makes its way into major water systems and eventually into drinking water. PFOA and PFOS are known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they are non-biodegradable. This allows these PFAS chemicals to survive in the environment without breaking down until they’re eventually consumed and get into organs and bloodstreams.

AFFF Exposure Injuries

A chemical that cannot be naturally broken down can cause tremendous damage to a person’s body. Below are a list of different cancers which have been linked to AFFF:

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

Areas of High Contamination in New York

Below are certain areas in the state of New York which are at high risk of AFFF exposure:

  • Former Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, NY
  • Former Plattsburgh Air Force Base in Clinton County
  • Fort Drum in Jefferson County
  • Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant in Calverton, NY
  • Seneca Army Ammunition Plant in Ontario County
  • Stewart Air National Guard Base in Orange County
  • Stewart Marine Corps Reserve Training Center in Newburgh, NY

Filing an AFFF Lawsuit in New York

If you or a loved one were exposed to AFFF and are now diagnosed with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver cancer, thyroid cancer, or ulcerative colitis, please feel free to contact our experts at Douglas & London. You may be entitled to compensation and you don’t pay unless we win. To apply for a free consultation, fill out the form on the side of the screen, chat with us or give us a call at (212) 566-7500.