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AFFF Firefighting Foam
Cancer Lawsuit 2026:
PFAS Claims & Eligibility
Reviewed by: ClaimCheckUSA Legal TeamLast updated: March 26, 2026Reading time: 8 min
Key Takeaways
- AFFF contains PFAS 'forever chemicals' linked to kidney, bladder, testicular, and other cancers
- 3M has settled PFAS water contamination claims for $10.3 billion; DuPont for $1.185 billion
- Personal injury (cancer) claims are still active — estimated payouts $40,000–$300,000+
- Military firefighters, airport workers, and residents near contaminated bases may qualify
- Manufacturers knew about PFAS health risks for decades and failed to warn users
What Is the AFFF Lawsuit About?
The AFFF lawsuit targets manufacturers of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) — a firefighting chemical used extensively by the US military, airports, and industrial facilities since the 1970s. AFFF contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), synthetic chemicals that accumulate in the body and have been linked to multiple cancers.
Defendants including 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and Tyco Fire Products are alleged to have known about the cancer risks of PFAS for decades but continued manufacturing and selling AFFF without adequate health warnings. Internal documents revealed in litigation show the companies were aware of PFAS toxicity as early as the 1950s.
Qualifying Cancers
Kidney CancerPrimary
Bladder CancerPrimary
Testicular CancerPrimary
Thyroid CancerPrimary
Prostate Cancer
Breast Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Leukaemia
Liver Cancer
Who Qualifies for an AFFF Lawsuit?
Military Firefighters
Active duty and veterans who trained with or used AFFF at military bases, airfields, or crash rescue operations.
Airport Firefighters
Civilian firefighters at commercial airports, private airfields, and military airports who used AFFF for fire suppression.
Civilian Firefighters
Municipal and industrial firefighters who used AFFF foam in fire training exercises or actual fire suppression.
Military Personnel (Non-Firefighters)
Service members stationed at bases where AFFF was used and who were exposed through contaminated drinking water.
Residents Near Military Bases
Civilians living near military installations where PFAS contaminated local groundwater and drinking water supplies.
Industrial Workers
Workers at facilities that manufactured or used AFFF, including oil refineries, chemical plants, and industrial sites.
Were You Exposed to AFFF and Diagnosed with Cancer?
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Check My AFFF EligibilityAFFF Lawsuit Timeline
1970s–2000s
AFFF containing PFAS chemicals widely used by military and civilian firefighters. Manufacturers aware of health risks but do not disclose them.
2016
EPA issues health advisory for PFAS in drinking water. Military begins testing bases for PFAS contamination.
2018
First major AFFF lawsuits filed against 3M, DuPont, and other manufacturers.
2019
MDL consolidated in the District of South Carolina. Thousands of plaintiffs join.
2023
3M announces $10.3 billion settlement for PFAS water contamination claims. DuPont announces $1.185 billion settlement.
2024–2026
Personal injury claims (cancer cases) continue. Still actively accepting new plaintiffs. Estimated payouts: $40,000–$300,000+.
Settlement Amounts
3M water contamination settlement
$10.3 Billion
Municipal water systems
DuPont settlement
$1.185 Billion
Water contamination claims
Personal injury est. payout
$40K–$300K+
Cancer claims (ongoing)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AFFF and why is it dangerous?
AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) is a firefighting foam used to suppress fuel fires. It contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) — synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the environment or the human body. PFAS have been linked to multiple cancers, immune system damage, and hormonal disruption.
Who is being sued in the AFFF lawsuit?
The primary defendants are 3M, DuPont, Chemours, Tyco Fire Products, Chemguard, and other AFFF manufacturers. These companies are alleged to have known about PFAS health risks for decades but continued to manufacture and sell AFFF without adequate warnings.
How much can I get from an AFFF lawsuit?
Personal injury (cancer) claims are estimated to pay $40,000 to $300,000+ depending on cancer type, severity, and exposure history. Kidney, bladder, and testicular cancer cases tend to receive higher compensation due to the strong scientific link to PFAS exposure.
Do I need to have been a firefighter to qualify?
No. While firefighters are the primary plaintiffs, military personnel, airport workers, industrial workers, and residents near contaminated military bases may also qualify if they were exposed to PFAS through AFFF and developed a qualifying cancer.
Is there a deadline to file an AFFF lawsuit?
Yes. Statutes of limitations vary by state, typically 2–3 years from diagnosis or from when you knew (or should have known) your cancer was linked to PFAS exposure. Contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.