Fighting for South Carolina Firefighters Harmed by Toxic AFFF Foam

South Carolina’s brave firefighters, military personnel, and airport workers have dedicated their lives to keeping our communities safe. Many used Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) to combat dangerous fuel fires, unaware they were being exposed to toxic “forever chemicals” that could lead to cancer and other serious health conditions.

The manufacturers of AFFF knew these foams contained harmful PFAS compounds but failed to warn users about the risks. Now, many South Carolina first responders are facing devastating cancer diagnoses linked to their years of AFFF exposure.

At Joye Law Firm, our South Carolina AFFF attorneys are committed to fighting for justice for these heroes. If you’ve developed cancer after exposure to firefighting foam, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and suffering.

Time limits apply to filing AFFF claims. Take our quick assessment today to see if you qualify for a lawsuit.

Understanding AFFF Foam Dangers

AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) was developed in the 1960s as a revolutionary firefighting tool specifically designed to extinguish difficult-to-fight fuel fires. The foam works by creating a thin film that spreads across burning fuel, cutting off oxygen and preventing reignition. Because of its effectiveness, AFFF became standard equipment at military bases, airports, refineries, and fire departments across South Carolina and nationwide.

What makes AFFF dangerous is its chemical composition. The foam contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), particularly PFOA and PFOS. These synthetic compounds are called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down naturally in the environment or human body. Instead, they accumulate over time, potentially reaching levels that trigger serious health problems.

Scientific research has established clear links between PFAS exposure and several life-threatening conditions. A landmark 2021 study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that firefighters exposed to AFFF had significantly elevated rates of kidney, testicular, and prostate cancers compared to the general population.

South Carolina has been particularly affected by AFFF contamination. Military installations like Shaw Air Force Base and Joint Base Charleston have documented PFAS contamination from decades of AFFF use. The Department of Defense began phasing out AFFF containing PFOA and PFOS in 2016, acknowledging the serious health risks. Unfortunately, this came too late for thousands of South Carolina service members and firefighters who had already experienced decades of exposure.

AFFF-Related Health Risks

The PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam have been linked to numerous serious health conditions. These toxic compounds can remain in the body for years after exposure, gradually accumulating and potentially causing cellular damage that leads to cancer. South Carolina firefighters, military personnel, and airport workers face particularly high risks due to their repeated exposure. Below are the most significant health concerns associated with AFFF that may qualify for legal compensation.
Renal Damage

PFAS compounds concentrate in kidney tissues, dramatically increasing cancer risk and potentially causing permanent kidney function impairment after prolonged exposure.
Reproductive Harm

Studies link AFFF chemicals to testicular cancer and fertility issues, with firefighters showing significantly elevated reproductive cancer rates.
Immune System Impact

Research connects PFAS exposure to immune dysfunction and increased lymphoma risk, particularly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma among firefighters.
Digestive Tract Cancers

Pancreatic and colorectal cancers show concerning connections to AFFF exposure, with higher incidence among those with long-term foam contact.
Endocrine Disruption

PFAS compounds disrupt hormone function, potentially leading to thyroid disease, thyroid cancer, and related metabolic disorders after foam exposure.

If you’ve been diagnosed with any of these conditions following AFFF exposure, our South Carolina AFFF lawyers can evaluate your case for potential compensation. These serious health consequences form the foundation of lawsuits against manufacturers who failed to warn users about these risks.

Legal Basis for AFFF Lawsuits

AFFF lawsuits are built on established legal principles that hold manufacturers accountable for injuries caused by their dangerous products. These cases typically involve product liability claims against companies that produced and sold firefighting foam despite evidence of its dangers. Our South Carolina AFFF attorneys leverage these legal foundations to build strong cases for victims seeking justice.
Manufacturer Knowledge

Evidence shows AFFF producers knew about PFAS dangers decades ago but continued selling their foam without adequate warnings to protect profits.
Product Defects

Firefighting foam was inherently dangerous by design, using toxic PFAS chemicals when safer alternatives could have been developed and implemented.
Failure to Warn

Manufacturers neglected their duty to warn users about AFFF cancer risks, preventing South Carolina firefighters from taking necessary protective measures.
Environmental Negligence

Companies improperly tested and disposed of AFFF, allowing PFAS to contaminate groundwater near South Carolina military bases and fire training facilities.

These legal arguments are particularly significant in South Carolina, where the federal AFFF multidistrict litigation is centralized in Charleston. Joye Law Firm leverages this local expertise and evolving case law to build the strongest possible claims for South Carolina victims seeking compensation.

Do You Qualify for an AFFF Lawsuit?

If you’ve been exposed to firefighting foam and later diagnosed with cancer or another serious health condition, you may qualify for compensation through an AFFF lawsuit. Our South Carolina AFFF attorneys carefully evaluate each case based on specific qualification criteria:

Exposure Requirements

  • Service as a military firefighter
  • Work as an airport firefighter
  • Employment as a civilian firefighter
  • Duties on military flight decks
  • Work at facilities manufacturing AFFF
  • Transportation of firefighting foam
  • Employment at AFFF disposal facilities

Your exposure must have occurred after 1960, when PFAS-containing foams entered widespread use.

Qualifying Medical Conditions

  • Kidney cancer (with 15-year minimum latency period)
  • Testicular cancer (15-year latency)
  • Bladder cancer (4-year latency)
  • Pancreatic cancer (10-year latency)
  • Prostate cancer (15-year latency)
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (10-year latency)
  • Leukemia (5-year latency)
  • Liver cancer (12-year latency)
  • Thyroid disease or cancer (no minimum latency)

For your case to qualify, your diagnosis must have occurred after your exposure, and you must have been between 18-85 years old when diagnosed.

If these criteria match your situation, our experienced South Carolina AFFF lawyers at Joye Law Firm can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Take our instant case evaluation today to determine your eligibility.

Steps to Take After AFFF Harm

If you believe your health has been affected by exposure to AFFF firefighting foam, taking specific steps can help protect both your wellbeing and your legal rights. Many South Carolina firefighters, veterans, and airport workers are only now discovering the connection between their illnesses and past foam exposure. Here’s what you should do if you suspect AFFF has impacted your health.
Medical Documentation

Consult healthcare providers about your AFFF exposure history and ensure all symptoms and diagnoses are thoroughly documented in your records.
Exposure Timeline

Create a detailed record of when and where you used AFFF, including dates, locations, and frequency of exposure throughout your career.
Evidence Collection

Gather service records, employment documentation, and any information about AFFF use at your workplace to establish your exposure history.
Legal Evaluation

Complete our quick online assessment to determine if you qualify for an AFFF lawsuit and understand your potential compensation options.

Acting promptly is crucial as South Carolina law limits the time to file toxic exposure claims. Our experienced AFFF attorneys at Joye Law Firm can guide you through each step while you focus on your health and recovery.

Check Your Eligibility Now

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer after exposure to firefighting foam, don’t wait to learn about your legal options. Joye Law Firm’s South Carolina AFFF attorneys are ready to evaluate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Time limits apply, so take our quick assessment today to see if you qualify.
Check Your Eligibility Now
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