AFFF Exposure in South Dakota

South Dakota is one of a long list of states which have tested for high amounts of carcinogenic contaminants in certain water systems. Some of the contamination started with AFFF which is a firefighting suppressant foam used for oil-fires. AFFF is mostly found in military sites, airports, chemical plants, and many other places which typically store large amounts of petroleum.

Exposure to AFFF in South Dakota

When AFFF is discharged, remnants of the foam are absorbed into the environment and make their way into the drainage system and eventually merges with larger bodies of water which eventually makes its way into our drinking water. Although the CDC has claimed that these chemicals can be found in almost every American (including newborns), these are the areas of higher exposure to these chemicals due to AFFF firefighting foam:

Ellsworth Air Force Base in Meade County North of Rapid City, SD
Sioux Falls Regional Airport in Sioux Falls, SD

Cancers Linked to AFFF

The main components of AFFF which allow it to be so effective on petroleum-fires are PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid). These chemicals belong to a larger class of chemicals called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) which are known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they do not break down naturally. When chemicals that are non-biodegradable enter the human body, they can cause a ton of damage. These chemicals have been linked to the following cancers and other disorders:

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

How to File an AFFF Lawsuit

Those who live in the surrounding areas of the locations listed above who have also been diagnosed with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver cancer, thyroid cancer, or ulcerative colitis may be eligible for compensation. Call us at (212) 566-7500 for a free consultation. You can also contact us using the chat box or form on this page. You don’t pay unless we win.