Idaho AFFF Lawyers

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam used to suppress petroleum-based fires used by firefighters and military personnel for over 50 years. This foam is mostly used and stored where large amounts of oil and gas are stored such as military bases, airports, oil rigs, training facilities, etc.  

How Are We Exposed to AFFF?  

For firefighters and anyone who deals directly with AFFF, it’s easy to understand how they were exposed to the foam. However, those who live in the surrounding areas of where AFFF is stored or could be used are in danger of being exposed as well. This is because once AFFF is used or discharged it can be absorbed into the surrounding environment or the remnants of the foam will get hosed into drains which gets discharged into bodies of water further away and ultimately into drinking water systems.

Side Effects of AFFF Exposure

Although AFFF is the most effective ways of fighting certain types of fires, it also contains carcinogens. The foam is made out of a class of chemical compounds called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The specific types of PFAS chemicals found in AFFF are PFOA, the chemical used by Teflon, and PFOS, the ingredient found in 3M’s Scotchgard.

PFOA and PFOS have been linked to the following forms of cancer:

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

The PFOA and PFOS chemicals have been coined as ‘forever chemicals’ because they are non-biodegradable. When a chemical compound enters the body which cannot naturally be broken down, it will stay in your system forever and wreak havoc to organs along the way.

Which Areas in Idaho Have Been Exposed?

The locations with water systems which have tested for high levels of PFOA and/or PFOS are:

  • Boise Air Terminal in Boise City, Idaho
  • Mountain Home Air Force Base in Elmore County, Idaho

Those who work or live in the surrounding areas of these locations are also at risk of being exposed to AFFF contamination.

Filing an AFFF Exposure Lawsuit in Idaho

Those who live or work in the areas listed above and have been diagnosed with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver cancer, thyroid cancer, or ulcerative colitis could be eligible for compensation. For a free consultation, fill out the form on this page, use the chat box to speak with a representative or give us a call at (212) 566-7500. You don’t pay unless we win.