AFFF Exposure in Tennessee

Aquueous Film Forming Foam is a firefighting foam more commonly known as AFFF. It’s been used for over 50 years as the most effective way to fight oil and gas fires. Unfortunately, it was also a carcinogen which not only put users of AFFF at risk, but anyone who worked around it or even lived in surrounding areas of where AFFF is commonly stored.

Areas in Tennessee with AFFF Exposure

The following locations in Tennessee have tested for high levels of the carcinogens found in AFFF:

  • Nashville International Airport in Nashville, TN
  • McGhee Tyson Airport located outside of Knoxville, TN

Since the water systems in both of these airports tested positive, it means that the surrounding metropolitan areas of Nashville and Knoxville are also at risk. This is because AFFF is made up of a class of chemical compounds known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) which has also been coined as a “forever chemical”.

PFAS chemicals are typically non-biodegradable which means that it cannot be broken down in nature or in the human body. So, when AFFF is used or spilled in the environment, it will stay there forever until it eventually is consumed by a living organism. After it is discharged, AFFF is washed into drains which ultimately makes its way into drinking water systems.

Cancers Linked to AFFF

The specific PFAS carcinogenic compounds found in AFFF are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). PFOA and PFOS are the chemicals which water is tested for and exposure to them have been linked to the following specific types of cancers:

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

Filing an AFFF Lawsuit in Tennessee

If you or someone you know live in the surrounding areas of the locations listed above 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.