AFFF is a fluorocarbon-based synthetic liquid that’s used as firefighting foam. It’s often found in industrial settings and can be released into the environment through accidental spills or improper equipment disposal. If you or someone you love has been exposed to this toxic substance, it’s essential to get medical attention immediately. 

Here are some things to consider while seeking treatment:

Determine If Exposure Occurred

First, you will want to determine if the exposure occurred. AFFF is a type of firefighting foam used by airports and military bases to put out fires at their facilities. It can also be found in some drinking water sources where it has been used as an additive to combat corrosion in pipes. 

If you developed severe illnesses after exposure to AFFF firefighting foam, you might be qualified to pursue an AFFF case. The AFFF Lawsuit Settlement Amounts may assist in covering your medical expenses and other losses brought on by exposure to the hazardous substances in AFFF foams used in wildfire suppression.

Keep an Exposure Journal

The second step is to keep an exposure journal. It could be as simple as a notebook with a few pages or a Google Doc that you share with your medical team. In this document, record the date and time of your exposure, what type of firefighting foam was used (AFFF or PFOS), how much water was sprayed on the area where you were standing at the time of exposure, what symptoms you may have experienced following exposure, along with any other details you feel are relevant. 

Get Medical Testing

Medical testing can help determine if you were exposed to AFFF. Medical testing can also look for other toxic chemicals and cancer, which may result in additional health problems or even an increased risk of developing cancer.

Two types of medical tests are available- blood and urine tests. Blood tests are used when there is a large amount of exposure to AFFF, while urine tests are more commonly used when only a tiny amount has been absorbed into your body. The results from these different tests can help determine if you have been exposed to specific types of chemicals, such as PFIB (polyfluoroalkyl phosphate surfactants).

Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Cancer

Many cancers have non-specific symptoms, and 62% of cancer deaths are caused by cancers that don’t have a screening test. For example, pancreas cancer may cause pain in the upper abdomen and back, but a gallbladder condition can also cause these symptoms. The sooner you know if something is wrong, the better chance we might be able to cure it.

Even if you or your loved one has been exposed to AFFF and are being treated for cancer now, it doesn’t mean you should stop getting regular medical checkups or screenings for other diseases like diabetes and heart disease. 

If your doctor finds something unusual on one of these tests during this period, they may recommend more testing or treatment options than usual, but don’t self-diagnose. Contact your doctor as soon as possible so they can help you decide what steps to take next.

Save Documents

If you or your loved one has been exposed to AFFF, keeping all the documents related to your case is essential. These include medical records and documents showing how you were exposed to AFFF. In addition, keep any documents that show a diagnosis of cancer or other disease related to the exposure. 

File a Class Action Lawsuit

According to IBISWorld, the personal injury lawyer market is worth $55.8 billion in 2023. If you or a loved one have been exposed to AFFF, you may be eligible for money from a class action lawsuit. 

A class action lawsuit is a civil lawsuit where a group of people with similar legal interests sue an individual or company. These lawsuits allow defendants to be held accountable for their actions even if they don’t know anyone harmed by them.

The court will require proof that you were exposed and harmed by your exposure to approve your case as part of the litigation. It can include medical records showing diagnoses or treatments related to your exposure and proof regarding how the military base used AFFF during training exercises on its property near your home.

You or a Loved One May Be Entitled to Compensation for Your Exposure to AFFF

According to LezDo Techmed, there are around 3,000 AFFF lawsuits pending in South Carolina. If you or a loved one has been exposed to AFFF, you may be entitled to compensation. Compensation can include medical costs and lost wages for individuals who have suffered a severe injury due to exposure.

If you believe that your exposure to AFFF has caused these types of injuries or death, contact an experienced attorney immediately. Compensation amounts vary depending on the circumstances surrounding your injury or loss but can range from tens of thousands of dollars to millions.

Conclusion

Are you or someone you know exposed to AFFF? If so, it’s essential to get medical treatment right away. While there is no evidence that AFFF exposure can cause long-term effects, getting the medical help you need is always a good idea. If you have questions about what to do after an AFFF exposure, talk with your doctor.