AFFF Exposure in Oregon

AFFF, or Aqueous Film Forming Foam, is a fire fighting foam used to put out petroleum-based fires.  For over 50 years, AFFF has been an industry leader but it has also been linked to certain forms of cancers.

Cancers Caused by AFFF Exposure

The following forms of cancer have been linked to exposure to AFFF:

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

The reason AFFF is linked to cancer is due to the fluorinated compounds found in AFFF called PFAS. The specific PFAS compounds found in AFFF are PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid). These chemicals have been branded “forever chemicals” due to the way they cannot breakdown naturally. When a non-biodegradable chemical enters the body, it can cause a ton of harm to organs.

Parts of Oregon with AFFF Contamination

Since AFFF is only stored and used in places at risk of large petroleum-based fires, it would be easy to assume that the only people at risk of being exposed are people who use it or work around it. However, when AFFF is used, the foam can get into the surrounding environment and remnants of the remaining foam is washed into drains which eventually makes its way into drinking water system and ultimately into our bodies.

Just being around the same area that stores AFFF could put you at risk of being exposed to PFOA and PFOS. In Oregon, the problem seems to be limited to the greater Portland area due to the following sites that tested high for AFFF contamination:

  • Portland International Airport
  • Portland Fire and Rescue Bureau

Filing an AFFF Lawsuit in Oregon 

Those who have been diagnosed with either kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver cancer, thyroid cancer, or ulcerative colitis and may have been exposed to AFFF in the contaminated areas listed above may be eligible for compensation. The consultation is free and you don’t pay unless we win. Chat with us on our website or fill out the form on this page and a member of our team will contact you immediately. You can also reach us at (212) 566-7500.